PIRATES CHOOSE DAVIS IN 'COMPLICATED' 2021 DRAFT
Baseball America|September 2023
Adam Bourassa's own major league dreams fell short, but he's finding another way to make his mark on the game.
KYLE GLASER
PIRATES CHOOSE DAVIS IN 'COMPLICATED' 2021 DRAFT

Bourassa, 42, was the 2003 national college defensive player of the year as Wake Forest's center fielder. After playing four years in the minors and another in independent ball, he bounced around a few jobs in the game before becoming the Pirates' Midwest area scout in 2016.

In that role, he signed 2021 No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis out of Louisville.

"Just watching him play even as a freshman, you noticed right away the intensity and the aggressiveness he plays with," Bourassa said.

"Just the intent and the willingness and want to win and be successful. I don't think anyone ever questions how much Henry wants it, and it shows the second he puts on the uniform and gets on the field."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BASEBALL AMERICAView all
INDEPENDENT/PARTNER LEAGUES PLAYER OF THE YEAR ADAM FOGEL, MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS
Baseball America

INDEPENDENT/PARTNER LEAGUES PLAYER OF THE YEAR ADAM FOGEL, MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS

Adam Fogel sets the Pioneer League home run record in a season to remember

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
MINOR LEAGUE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MIKE ABRAMSON, HARTFORD YARD GOATS
Baseball America

MINOR LEAGUE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MIKE ABRAMSON, HARTFORD YARD GOATS

Hartford GM Mike Abramson’s tireless dedication has made the Yard Goats one of the best tickets in the minor leagues

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
FREITAS AWARD: CLASS A COLUMBIA FIREFLIES
Baseball America

FREITAS AWARD: CLASS A COLUMBIA FIREFLIES

The Columbia Fireflies light the way for a community redevelopment project that benefits an entire city

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
FREITAS AWARD: DOUBLE-A SOMERSET PATRIOTS
Baseball America

FREITAS AWARD: DOUBLE-A SOMERSET PATRIOTS

From indy ball to affiliated, Somerset continues its tradition of excellence in fruitful partnership with the Yankees

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
FREITAS AWARD: TRIPLE-A SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS
Baseball America

FREITAS AWARD: TRIPLE-A SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS

Key initiatives and facility upgrades make Sacramento a top minor league attraction and also a natural fit as the Athletics’ home in 2025

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
MINOR LEAGUE MANAGER OFTHEYEAR ZACH VINCEJ, MODESTO
Baseball America

MINOR LEAGUE MANAGER OFTHEYEAR ZACH VINCEJ, MODESTO

Zach Vincej led Modesto to back-to-back California League championships with teams brimming with top Mariners talent

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
MINOR LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS
Baseball America

MINOR LEAGUE TEAM OF THE YEAR LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS

The low-payroll Guardians rely on homegrown talent to fuel MLB success. Midwest League-champion Lake County provides optimism for the future.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
MLB COACH OF THE YEAR CHRIS FETTER, TIGERS
Baseball America

MLB COACH OF THE YEAR CHRIS FETTER, TIGERS

Chris Fetter applies all the right touches to a Tigers pitching staff that clawed its way toward the top

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
MLB EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MATT ARNOLD, BREWERS
Baseball America

MLB EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR MATT ARNOLD, BREWERS

Continuity is the Brewers’ secret weapon. Matt Arnold made sure the 2024 club met expectations

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025
MLB MANAGER OF THE YEAR DAVE ROBERTS, DODGERS
Baseball America

MLB MANAGER OF THE YEAR DAVE ROBERTS, DODGERS

The Dodgers’ Dave Roberts has done things few managers have ever done. Now, he’s finally getting his due.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024/January 2025