Gift Ngoepe

From BR Bullpen

Mpho Gift Ngoepe

Bats Both, Throws Right
Height 5' 10", Weight 165 lb.

High School Rand Park High School

Born January 18, 1990 in Pietersburg South Africa

Gift Ngoepe was the first South African player signed out of the European Baseball Academy.

Ngoepe was the youngest player on the South African national team in the 2007 Baseball World Cup. The 17-year-old played all 3 outfield spots and went 1 for 12 with 5 strikeouts and a stolen base. After attending the 2008 European Academy, he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ngoepe was South Africa's star in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, with two triples (both off of Elmer Dessens) in five at-bats, a walk, a run and a RBI in two games. His OPS was almost triple South Africa's next-best player, Brett Willemburg. Despite playing only two games, he tied Jimmy Rollins, Endy Chavez and Gregor Blanco for second in the event in three-baggers, one behind Yoennis Céspedes. He then was featured on the cover of the South African edition of Sports Illustrated. Ngoepe debuted with the GCL Pirates on June 23, going 2 for 4 against the GCL Yankees.