BASEBALL. A little over twelve hours after his selection in the tenth round by the Atlanta Braves on July 10, Pier-Olivier Boucher, of Saint-Joseph, is still on cloud nine. To add to this dream day, the Beauceron signed a first professional contract with their new team at the end of the evening.
“It’s a feeling I won’t soon forget. I’ve been dreaming about this for years. Not having any other years of NCAA eligibility made this one even more stressful as I didn’t know what to expect next. Hearing my name took a huge weight off my shoulders, ”said the main interested party at the opening of a press briefing.
The 23-year-old outfielder lived this beautiful moment in the family home in Saint-Joseph surrounded by his family and friends. He received a call from Atlanta about 20 picks before his selection at 309th overall. In recent weeks, Boucher had discussions with other Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, but those with the Braves intensified a few hours before the draft.
“I would be lying if I said I was surprised, because the discussions with the other teams were convincing. I was told that in the worst case scenario, I was going to be signed as a free agent, but that my chances of being drafted were very good. […] At the start of the day, the Braves had spoken to me about selecting me between the eighth and ninth rounds, ”says the man who is presented as a natural hitter.
A long arduous journey
To achieve his dream, the Joselois had to make several sacrifices. By his own admission, his journey has not been easy. Before the start of his third secondary, he left his native region to join the Canotiers de Charlesbourg baseball program. Boucher then headed to the United States to play a few seasons with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Last year, five MLB teams had contacted the Beauceron, but no formation had pronounced its name. Usually, selections of Quebec players at the end of their academic career are quite rare, but Boucher has never given up, having a rather impressive season of 16 homers and a batting average of .331 last year.
Next steps
The first Quebecer selected from this 2023 auction will soon have to go to Florida like all the other players chosen during this draft. Being rather in the unknown, the Beauceron did not want to go further on what is coming for him, but he should have more information on his situation in the coming days.
“I learned with the past to live in the moment day by day. I am someone who lives in the moment. I try not to project myself too far into the future and to live one day at a time. I will continue to give my 100% to reach the major leagues, ”he concludes.
2023-07-11 17:20:57
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