Royals' Orlando becomes first Brazilian in World Series

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Paulo Orlando made history when he stepped onto the field at Kauffman Stadium in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night, becoming the first Brazilian-born player to play in a Fall Classic.

Orlando entered Tuesday night's opener against the New York Mets in the eighth inning, and had a single in the 12th, before the Royals finally persevered for a 5-4 victory in 14 innings.

Orlando also played soccer as a child, but was introduced to baseball by a family friend with Japanese roots. He was ultimately discovered by a White Sox scout impressed by his speed on the base paths, and was traded to the Royals in 2008.

''Soccer, probably when I was a child, was my first love,'' Orlando said. ''I wanted to play it professionally. I just thought about soccer. But baseball came into my life, and to each their own sport. I wanted to be a professional and baseball gave me everything I have right now.''

Orlando became the third Brazilian-born player to reach the major leagues, following in the footsteps of Indians catcher Yan Gomes and Marlins pitcher Andre Rienzo.

But he's the first to have made it into a World Series game.

''I just trusted in what I could do. When they put me on the 40-man roster, I knew I had a shot to make the team, and I just tried to show them what I could do,'' Orlando said. ''Now, I'm just glad to be here, that the Royals gave me an opportunity to play baseball.''