Edmonton Prospects 2024 Season Preview

If you build it, they will come.

But you need to have patience, as the Edmonton Prospects have learned over the last few years.

Field of Seams

They’re having a ball in the Western Canadian Baseball League.

Good thing, too, because baseballs are a vital piece of equipment for the WCBL. You literally cannot play the game without them.

The league, with a dozen teams in Alberta and Saskatchewan, welcomes a new official baseball supplier this year.

Five Storylines We’re Watching in 2024

2023 was a banner year for baseball in Alberta, including all that we did at Alberta Dugout Stories.

So what’s next?

We gaze into our crystal ball to take a look at the stories that are on the top of our minds heading into 2024.

2023 ADS All-WCBL Team

With the Western Canadian Baseball League handing out its awards, we wondered if we could put together a league All-Star Team.

With a twist.

Introducing our 26-man roster, an idea born out of imagination and accomplishment.

Prospects in the Park

It’s been a long four years since the Edmonton Prospects had a place to call “home.”

The Western Canadian Baseball League team has faced plenty of challenges in building the new Myshak Metro Ballpark.

Owner Pat Cassidy says construction is ongoing, but several challenges could affect opening day, meaning a backup plan is being looked at in Sherwood Park.

OPINION: Baseball’s Opportunity in Alberta

“Does Alberta punch above its weight when it comes to baseball in Canada?”

It’s a question our Joe McFarland posed on social media recently after what should be considered another successful year in our province.

But are we doing enough to celebrate it?

Funderstruck

A two-way star with the Okotoks Dawgs and Edmonton Prospects has made his Major League Baseball debut in stellar fashion.

2017 Western Major Baseball League MVP Kody Funderburk pitched two perfect innings – including three strikeouts – with the Minnesota Twins on August 28.

OPINION: What’s next for the WCBL’s Mid-Summer Classic?

The Okotoks Dawgs can take a bow.

After hosting two successful Western Canadian Baseball League All-Star Games in 2022 and 2023, could it be time for them to pass the torch?

Joe McFarland wades into the possible locations as well as ways to expand the game and festivities.

Ahead of Schedule

It might still be early, but Erik Sabrowski is already exceeding expectations in restarting his professional baseball journey.

Not only is the Edmonton-area product back from his second Tommy John surgery earlier than expected, but he has been nearly flawless in his first few appearances for the Akron RubberDucks.

Home Opener Highlights

There’s no place like home … or, better yet, home openers.

The Western Canadian Baseball League’s 2023 season is rapidly approaching and ballparks in Alberta and Saskatchewan will soon open their gates to throngs of summer seekers.

Our Ian Wilson takes a look at some of the marquee dates on the calendar.