Watch: Gift Ngoepe makes historical debut with Pirates
Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Gift Ngoepe officially became the first player from the continent of Africa to reach the major leagues Wednesday and he sure made an impression in his debut.
The 27-year-old, born in Pietersburg, South Africa, entered the game against the Chicago Cubs as part of a double switch in the fourth inning.
After he was teased by teammates Francisco Cervelli and Josh Harrison - who placed their hands over Ngoepe's heart to see how quickly it was beating - he smacked a single up the middle in his first big-league at-bat.
Ngoepe spent nine years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)