by DZ

Here’s a quick look at the final 2016 results of the South Africans in the minor leagues.

Special mention to Dylan Unsworth, who the Mariners selected to pitch in the exclusive Arizona Fall League next month.

Gift Ngoepe, Pittsburgh Pirates.

Current team: Indianapolis Indians (AAA)

Ngoepe made headlines last week, but not the ones South African baseball fans were hoping for as they anticipated September roster expansion and Gift’s potential to be their first countryman (continent-man?) in MLB. Instead Ngoepe was involved in an early-hours fight outside a bar and spent a morning behind bars. He was suspended for the final week of the Indians’ season, finishing with a line of .217/.289/.355. The glove-first middle infielder added 20 doubles, 8 home runs, and 5 stolen bases.

Anthony Phillips, Los Angeles Angels.

Current team: Arkansas Travelers (AA)

Phillips has 8 hits in his last 10 games, as the Travelers season finishes today (Monday). In 113 Double-A games, the sure-handed infielder from Bellville hit .261 with a .332 OBP.

Dylan Unsworth, Seattle Mariners.

Current team: Jacksonville Generals (AA)

Unsworth remains on the DL and hasn’t pitched since early June. In 9 starts he had a 1.16 ERA, including a complete game shutout. As mentioned above, he’ll make up some of the lost innings in the AFL.

Vince Deyzel, Pittsburgh Pirates.

Current team: GCL Pirates (rookie)

Deyzel seemingly lost his feel for the zone at the tail end of the season, walking 12 in his final 6 innings. In 11 games he pitched 17 innings, going 0-3 with a 5.29 ERA. He’s walked 16 and struck out 13.

Victor Ngoepe, Pittsburgh Pirates.

Current team: GCL Pirates (rookie)

The younger Ngoepe finished the year on a 7-game hit streak, raising his season average to .219 in 44 games. He stole 9 bases in 14 attempts, walked 14 times and struck out 39.

Callan Pearce, Minnesota Twins.

Current team: GCL Twins (rookie)

The 21-year old from Durban threw 31.2 innings this summer, finishing with a sparkling 1.99 ERA and a 2-2 record in 18 games. He struck out 28 and walked 12, also adding 2 saves.