Baseball
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Gift Ngoepe became the first African-born player to appear in a Major League Baseball game on Wednesday (April 26) and marked his debut by getting a hit in his first at-bat.
The 27-year-old South African, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier in the day, entered the game against the visiting Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning.
When Ngoepe took to the field to play second base, Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli and third baseman Josh Harrison each took turns holding their hands up to his chest as if to monitor the rookie’s heartbeat.
In the bottom half of the fourth Ngoepe hit a single up the middle off Cubs left-hander Jon Lester. His first trip to the bases was short-lived, however, as two batters later Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer hit into an inning-ending double play.
Ngoepe finished the game 1-for-2 with a single, walk and strikeout and the Pirates prevailed 6-5.
Go to video
Gambia: Eleven dead in worst floods in 50 years - report
Go to video
Over 250 escaped DR Congo inmates recaptured
Go to video
At least 31 people still held hostage in Nigerian train attack
Go to video
Senegal's ruling party keeps majority in parliament
01:43
Ethiopia completes third filling of Blue Nile mega-dam
Go to video
Several people killed, 100 hurt in Somaliland opposition protests