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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)

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