Gift Ngoepe made history on Wednesday night as the first African-born player to appear in a Major League game.

Ngoepe had a hit and drew a walk in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ win over the Chicago Cubs.

“I thought about where I’ve come from, making the journey from South Africa to pursue my dream of playing in the major leagues someday,” Ngoepe said. “I thought about the struggles of being in the minor leagues for 8½ years and then to finally get up here and get a hit in my first at-bat. The whole thing was just awesome. That’s the only word I can think of to describe it. It was awesome.”

Clint Hurdle pulled a very early double-switch, bringing Ngoepe, 27, off the bench to play second base in the top of the fourth inning.

“I told myself not to cry, because I’m in the big leagues and I’m a big guy,” Ngoepe said. “Francisco Cervelli hugged me, and I could feel my heartbeat through my chest. It was emotional, and I had to fight back the tears.”

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