Peter Bourjos, known for his speed and defensive prowess, played Major League Baseball primarily as an outfielder. Born on March 31, 1987, in Park Ridge, Illinois, Bourjos grew up in a baseball environment, with his father, Chris Bourjos, having played professionally. Peter attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he excelled in baseball, catching the attention of scouts.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim selected Bourjos in the 10th round of the 2005 MLB Draft. He spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues, where his speed and defensive abilities stood out. Bourjos made his MLB debut with the Angels on August 3, 2010. During his rookie season, he quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional fielding and speed on the base paths. In 2011, he played in 147 games, posting a .271 batting average with 12 home runs and 22 stolen bases, while his defensive skills in center field were widely praised.
Bourjos' tenure with the Angels lasted until 2013. During this period, he was often utilized for his defensive capabilities and speed, though his offensive production varied. In November 2013, Bourjos was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, along with Randal Grichuk, in exchange for David Freese and Fernando Salas. With the Cardinals, Bourjos continued to be valued for his defense, though he struggled to find consistency at the plate.
After two seasons with the Cardinals, Bourjos was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies in December 2015. In Philadelphia, he saw more regular playing time, appearing in 123 games during the 2016 season. He batted .251 with five home runs and 23 RBIs, while continuing to provide solid defense in the outfield.
Bourjos' career continued with several short stints on different teams. In 2017, he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he played in 100 games. The following year, he returned to the Angels, though his time there was brief. In 2019, Bourjos signed with the Atlanta Braves, but was released before the season began. He then joined the San Francisco Giants, appearing in 18 games before being designated for assignment.
Throughout his career, Bourjos was known for his speed and defensive skills, often being used as a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch runner.
⚾