Edmonton Capitals won't play this season

After winning the league championship last summer, the Edmonton Capitals will not play this year.

Team governor Patrick LaForge announced Tuesday that the North American Baseball League (NABL) has been informed the team is suspending play for the 2012 season.

It was a tough but necessary decision due to the state of the league’s northern division, LaForge said.

“With just four teams, down from 10 in 2009, it is no longer acceptable for the Capitals to continue operating under such circumstances,” he said.

In 88 games last season, the Capitals welcomed 125,000 fans to Telus Field.

The focus now is to find the right way to bring the team back.

“We did talk to other leagues but only very cursory,” LaForge said. “But we’re looking at affiliated ball and non-affiliated ball.”

The NABL could still be an option, as could another minor pro league, he said, adding there is interest and talk of perhaps a western Canadian league. The players — set to soon receive championship rings — will be released, said director of baseball operations Gord Gerlach, who will remain on staff along with field manager Orv Franchuk.

“Edmonton is a good market,”  Gerlach said. “I’m here now and I’ll be working toward the 2013 season.”

LaForge can’t guarantee 2013, but is hoping for it.

“I don’t think this means Edmonton isn’t a baseball city,” he said. “I think the sad part is Edmonton is a baseball city.”