Gift Ngoepe is the first African-born player in Major League Baseball. The 27-year-old second baseman is originally from Pietersburg, South Africa. Ngoepe spent 8 1/2 years in the minors before being called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his first at-bat, Ngoepe hits a single grounder to center field. While on base, Ngoepe said that he had to fight back the tears. In Ngoepe's debut, the Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5. "I'm from Africa," Ngoepe said after the game. "Baseball is not a popular sport, but if you work hard enough and dream a little bit, anything is possible."
