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Published on May 15, 2009 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Welcome to the Inaugural Season of the Edmonton Capitals
We'd like to invite you to a new brand of baseball in Edmonton - the Edmonton Capitals. The Capitals will be based upon providing the best in family entertainment, in a safe, clean environment in the heart of Edmonton's River Valley. Here is what you can expect when you come to a Capitals game:
1.) Reasonable Ticket Price The Edmonton Capitals will provide options for Season Seats, Groups and Game Day tickets at a $9 price level for adults, and at even more affordable rates for kids and seniors.
2.) Overall Value Experience Fans and families alike need value throughout their game day experience. For this reason, we've created some unbelievable food and beverage options: - Hot Dog and Pop combo: $5.00 - Hot Dog and Beer: $6.00 - Nightly Kids Combos: three items for $3.00
3.) Consistent Weekly Events Fans can expect great promotions throughout the season based on the night of the week, including: - Fireworks Fridays: post-game fireworks on the first Friday of every month - Saturday Night Movies: we turn centre field into a movie theatre after every Saturday night game - enjoy baseball classics all summer long - Signature Sundays: player autograph sessions on Sunday afternoons - $2 Tuesday: Kids combos are priced at only $2.00 every Tuesday - Wiener Wednesday: $2.00 hot dogs on Wednesdays
To buy tickets to opening night, click here
We hope to deliver the best in family entertainment this summer. To try out a game, please contact us at (780) 414-GOAL.
Edmonton Capitals Baseball - HAVE A BALL
As I walk up to the gates at Telus Field and present my Capitals game ticket to the usher, I am immediately taken in by the buzz of activity surrounding Opening Night. Live music is playing, people are excitedly hurrying to their seats and the smells of baseball are in the air with hotdogs, freshly cut grass and popcorn all becoming one.
On my way to the concessions to pick up a hotdog and drink, I am passed by a few of the Oilers-family mascots and notice a number of local political figures making their way to on-field ceremonies. I even catch a glimpse of a Edmonton Oilers Zack Stortini and Kyle Brodziak signing autographs for fan.
As I reach my seat the players from both teams, Edmonton Capitals and Victoria Seals, are making their final preparations before the pre-game ceremonies and first pitch. I can't help but think that they must be sharing the same nervous anticipation on the field as each of the fans are in the stands.
With opening ceremonies are about to begin and the first pitch of the 2009 season only a few minutes after that, I look around the stadium to take it all in. A great crowd is surrounded by the friendly confines of Telus Field, nestled in the beautiful Edmonton river valley with the Alberta Legislature within site past the right field fence, and I realize one thing...this is going to be something special.
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The Edmonton Capitals' Opening Night is quickly approaching. The team is fine-tuning for an opening match-up with the Victoria Seals and the organization is planning an exciting kick-off to the season.
A carnival-like atmosphere featuring pre-game festivities and various celebrity appearances will take over Telus Field on Thursday evening. Make sure to grab your Capital dog and Pepsi for only $5. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm and gates will open at 6pm.
Great seats are still available by calling the Capitals ticket office at 780-414-GOAL (4625), online at ticketmaster.ca or by visiting the Telus Field Box Office or any TicketMaster outlet. Seats start at as little as just $9.
It may be an outside chance but it's still a chance. Just 3 players out of the field of 50 hopefuls attending the Edmonton Capitals First Ever Open Tryout have been invited to stick around for a longer look at training camp. For Deverey Van De Keere, Jared Schweitzer and Aaron Hornostaj, it was worth the shot.
Capsbaseball.ca had a chance to catch up with the 3 prospects who survived this weekend and will be getting a serious look from the Capitals coaching staff.
Devery Van De Keere - Barrhead, Alberta Age: 24 Position: 3rd and 1st Base
Baseball Facts: - Played 2 years for Phoenix College - Played 2 years for Louisiana Lafayette - Played 2 years in the minors for the Kansas City Minors
CAPS: What were your expectations for the open tryouts? DV: I knew there was a whole lot of talent there and it would be tough to crack the roster. I wouldn't let myself be intimated, I just knew I'd have to play my best ball to make the roster
CAPS: How has practice gone so far? DV: Really well, I feel like I'm always learning in this game. You don't play as much baseball up here in Canada as they do in the states so I always feel like everyday is a chance to learn more.
CAPS: Why do you love baseball? DV: I love it because I'm an athlete. I play all sports and I think baseball is the most challenging; it's something that you'll never figure out. You'll never perfect it. I also like the mental challenge of the game.
Jared Schweitzer - Sherwood Park, Alberta Age: 25 Position: 2nd Base
Baseball facts: - Played on a scholarship with the University of Kansas - Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals and played with the organization for three years
CAPS: What did you think of the open tryouts? JS: I thought they were good. It was great to see so many people out to give it a shot. I haven't had to run a 60 in a long time, so it was good to get at it again.
CAPS: What did you think of the competition? JS: For the most part, I think a lot of guys just came out to have fun and have a chance to play on the field. There were about 10-15 guys that had some legit baseball experience.
CAPS: What do you do in the off season? JS: I work for a family business, Oil Distribution - even though I majored in sociology at the University of Kansas.
Aaron Hornostaj - Woodstock, Ontario Age: 25 Position: 2nd Base and Short Stop
Baseball facts: -Signed by the San Francisco Giants in 2002 and played with the organization for 6 years. - Played 18 games with the Fresno Grizzlies AAA in 2006. - Played winter ball in Perth, Australia for the 2008-09 season.
CAPS: How did the open tryout go for you? AH: It went really well. I felt like I did a good job and stood out. There were a lot of people at the tryout living out their dreams and for some, just trying out was enough for them. That's cool. It's good exposure for the game.
CAPS: Why do you want to play for the Capitals? AH: I want to continue to play competitive ball. I'm only 25 and this league could turn into a great outlet for the majors.
CAPS: You just got back from a season in Perth, Australia, what was that like? AH: It was great. A bit of a change with the facilities, they are a little behind compared to here. There aren't even stands for the fans. The sport is growing as it competes with cricket and Aussie football. It was really hot to play in, but I can't complain, I lived ten minutes from the beach.
Spring training is now in full swing. With the addition of these three players from open tryouts, the training roster sits at just over 30 players hoping to make the team. Brent Bowers has his hands full over the next two weeks as he cuts the final team down to 22. "Making cuts is one of the worst parts of the job," explains Bowers, "I never sleep easy the night before."
Look for the final team announcement after the preseason games wrap up in Fort McMurray, May 16th.
Golden Baseball League Stories from May 15, 2009
- Rivard Wins Hometown Start - Calgary Vipers
- Welcome to Caps Baseball! - Edmonton Capitals
- Edmonton Capitals Game Time Change & Autograph Session - Edmonton Capitals
- Hideki Irabu to be introduced as pitcher for Long Beach Armada on Monday - Long Beach Armada
- Orange County Flyers Announce Spring Training Exhibition Schedule - Orange County Flyers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
