Tayler Scott becomes the second South African to play Major League Baseball

Johannesburg-born Tayler Scott has become just the second South African to play Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States.

Scott was promoted from minor league Tacoma on Friday to reinforce the Seattle Mariners bullpen, and he made his debut relieving Yusei Kikuchi during the fourth inning of Saturday's game against the Anaheim Angels, he went 2 2/3 innings allowing four hits and three runs with a single walk and four strikeouts.

Utility infielder Gift Ngoepe was the first ever South African to play MLB turning out for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays, while the 29-year-old currently plays Triple-A ball with the Phillies.

Scott revealed that Ngoepe was a massive inspiration for him and helped him fix playing MLB as a major goal for himself.

When he first signed, he was 16 so I was [two years] younger, Scott said.

It kind of opened my eyes that you were able to do that and go play baseball in America.

We came up to a baseball camp when I was 15, and from then on, I realized that's what I wanted to do.

It's been a big accomplishment to be the first pitcher from South Africa. It's pretty amazing.

Tayler Scott first ever South African MLB pitcherScott said that the call-up had been an emotional experience with his parents flying in to see him play his first MLB game in Anaheim, barely having enough time to make the long haul flight.

It's been a pretty crazy couple days, Scott said prior to Saturday's game. But today will be the most emotional since my parents just got in town, so my family will be here. Today will be the most emotional of all of them.

Scott is the first South African to pitch in Major League Baseball and now also the first Saffer to strike someone out as well.

Tags: Major League Baseball

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