Ottawa's newest baseball franchise is folding, even before the team hits the field for its first game.

The Can-Am League says a slowing economy, along with lack of ownership in Ottawa, forced the league to pull the plug on the Ottawa Voyageurs, who were scheduled to play ball for their first season this May.

The league also cancelled the season for its Atlantic City team, leaving six clubs to compete in the 2009 season.

"These are two cities that we believe can be strong members. However, without solid ownership and the financial commitment behind these teams, it is in the best interest of the league to go with six clubs," league Commissioner Miles Wolff said in a prepared statement.

Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien says it's disappointing the team couldn't make a go of it, leaving the city's baseball stadium without a tenant.

O'Brien says his next move is to talk to city staff about what to do with the empty stadium.

The Voyageurs are the third baseball team to fold in Ottawa. The Ottawa Lynx folded after playing 14 years of baseball in the capital. The Ottawa Rapidz, meanwhile, went under after only one season.