Our Story

March 3, 2025 – Edmonton, AB - After nearly two decades of evolution, the Edmonton Prospects have officially rebranded as the Energy City Cactus Rats, unveiling a new name, logo, and identity aimed at revitalizing baseball in the region. The announcement was made Monday, signaling a fresh start for the franchise.

"This is an exciting chapter for our organization," said Managing Partner Pat Cassidy. "The Cactus Rats name captures the resilience and grit of our team while paying homage to the unique character of our city. We’re looking forward to this next step in our journey."

The rebrand follows years of change for the team, which has shifted locations, names, and leadership since its founding in 2005. With the completion of Myshak Metro Ballpark, the Cactus Rats are poised to embark on a new chapter, continuing the legacy that has been built over two decades of baseball in the Edmonton area.

A Legacy of Growth and Change

The team’s origins date back to 2005, when they played at TELUS Field under the name Edmonton Big River Prospects, led by Coach Gord Gerlach. Over the next two years, the franchise relocated to St. Albert and became the St. Albert Prospects, with Justin Pysar and later Jordan Blundell at the helm. In 2009, after taking a season off due to facility constraints, the team returned as the Edmonton Prospects, establishing a home at John Fry Park in South Edmonton.

During their early years in Edmonton, the Prospects became increasingly involved in the community, hosting themed games like a "Breast Cancer Awareness" night in 2010 and welcoming volunteers like local MLA Brent Rathgeber as a PA announcer. The team’s visibility grew, and in 2012, they were granted the opportunity to play at TELUS Field following the suspension of the Edmonton Capitals. This move marked a turning point, allowing the Prospects to attract larger crowds and increase engagement with local charities and youth baseball programs.

By 2013, the Prospects had cemented their place in Edmonton’s sports culture, particularly with their annual Canada Day celebrations, which featured live music and prime views of the city’s fireworks display. The return of their mascot, Homer, further endeared the team to fans. Over the next several seasons, the team continued to expand its fanbase, introducing luxury suites, a dance team, and setting attendance records, including 6,800 fans on Canada Day in 2014.

From 2017 onward, the team played at RE/MAX Field, with longtime coach Ray Brown and assistant coach Orv Franchuk leading the way. In 2019, Jordan Blundell took over as head coach, ushering in a new era. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the team to cancel its season. Despite the setback, the Prospects were able to run a record-breaking Kid’s Camp under strict restrictions.

In 2021, the team moved to Centennial Field in Sherwood Park, where they played for two seasons before taking a break in 2023 while awaiting the completion of Myshak Metro Ballpark. Although the team was absent from league play, they continued to engage with the community through their Kid’s Camp in Spruce Grove.

A New Beginning

With Myshak Metro Ballpark close to completion, the Energy City Cactus Rats are set to make their debut under their new name in the upcoming season. The rebrand represents a commitment to the future while honoring the past.

"We’ve come a long way from our early days at John Fry Park," Cassidy said. "This new name and identity symbolize our journey, our resilience, and our dedication to bringing high-level baseball to Edmonton."

The Cactus Rats will take the field for the first time this summer, marking the start of a new era in Edmonton baseball.