TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Brazilian national team isn't lacking in professional talent. Though there are no active Major Leaguers on the roster (former big leaguers Paulo Orlando and Andre Rienzo are on the coaching staff -- the first all-Brazilian coaching staff in the team's history), Angels prospect Lucas Ramirez -- the son of Manny -- and former Yankees prospect Dante Bichette Jr. line up for the club. Pitcher Tiago da Silva has played all around the globe, and Brazil's Game 1 starter, Bo Takahashi, suits up for the Seibu Lions in Japan's NPB.

There is just one player on the team who has never earned a paycheck for playing the game: Utility player and construction worker Osvaldo Carvalho. He was first introduced to the game when he was 5 years old. Despite growing up in the soccer-mad nation, there was no going back.

"My father was cheering for me to become a soccer player," Carvalho said, his smile nearly as brilliant as the platinum-blonde hair he's dyed for the tournament. "But baseball got me excited."

What was it about the sport that he loved so much?

"To be very honest: It was the clothes, the uniform, the cap, sunglasses," Carvalho said, laughing. "It's a cool sport. Despite joking about the uniform, the sport changed my life."

He began taking it seriously in middle school, eventually joining the Sao Paolo-based team, Nikkei Marília, where he plays today. He only made the turn to construction work during COVID.

"I needed money to keep practicing," Carvalho said. "The very first opportunity that I had was in construction, laying down pavement on the highways. The passion for baseball made me choose this."

Despite the long hours and the physically demanding physical labor, Carvalho doesn't regret the decision. Nor does he ever find himself lacking energy when it's time to hit the field after a long day at work.

"I'm so happy practicing, it doesn't matter that I'm tired. I love this game and it lets me push a bit more," Carvalho said.

Carvalho grew up playing alongside many of his teammates on the national team, with Victor Mascai and Heitor Tokar among his closest friends. He found himself motivated to keep training and working while watching them play in the Minors or in other tournaments.

"I was doing the very best that I could so I could play with my buddies, with my bros," Carvalho said. "That was the dream of my life."

Unlike pro players, whose careers are out on the field, Carvalho needed to get the OK from his bosses and co-workers to come Tucson to suit up for Brazil this week.

"I had to tell the guys, this is our World Cup of baseball," Carvalho said. "Please allow me to go. This is my dream."

Brazil manager Yuichi Matsumoto is happy that Carvalho is on the roster, bringing a unique perspective to the rest of the roster.

"He's probably the happiest player in our group," Matsumoto said through translator Izawa. "He's always smiling, always teasing everyone. I think he brings this joy to the group, which is priceless. He's a very good hitter, as well, so I'm glad that he's part of this team."

Playing for the team may be his dream, but it's just a small part of his life. Carvalho is also a foster parent to three children, who he admits may end up choosing soccer over baseball. The choice will be theirs. But he knows that making the national team and playing in the Qualifier will provide plenty of life lessons beyond the foul lines.

"Playing among these stars just gives me hope that if I can make this team, I can do anything I want," Carvalho said. "It doesn't matter if I'm hustling at home and being a father -- and now I'm trying to be a coach at my club, as well. If I can make this team, I can do whatever I want."