*This content was translated by AI.
Second-year foreign investor Rafael Araujo (35, Seoul Woori Card) appeared at a baseball stadium alongside new Asia quota player Martin Ahmadi (25). During the off-season, he immersed himself in new cultures and showed how well he has integrated into Korea. Having experienced spring volleyball, his goal now points even higher.
On the 26th, a professional baseball game between LG Twins and NC Dinos was held at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Two tall foreigners appeared: Araujo and Martin, the foreign duo of Woori Card.
Araujo, who joined Woori Card last year, visited the stadium for the third time. Hailing from Brazil where baseball culture is unfamiliar, he first visited a baseball stadium after the 2025-2026 season ended, then visited Incheon SSG Landers Field in April after the season concluded, and this time came to Jamsil Baseball Stadium, the holy land of Korean baseball, with Martin and interpreter Woo Sang-baek.
Last season, Araujo led Woori Card into spring volleyball by ranking third in points (809) in 36 matches and 142 sets, fourth in attack success rate (52.13%), and third in average serves per set (0.401), among other top-tier offensive stats. He successfully renewed his contract and will spend his second season with Woori Card.
Meeting StarNews at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Araujo said, "I wanted to play in the V-League no matter what, and especially with Woori Card, so it feels like coming home." He added, "Right now, I want to play games in front of fans as soon as possible and show them good performances."
While diligently preparing for the season, Araujo requested another visit to a baseball stadium to refresh his mind. It seems he was quite interested in the previous baseball outing.
Araujo explained, "I asked to experience other stadiums besides Munhak because I wanted to try them out. In Brazil, it's hard to experience baseball, so the last visit was so enjoyable." He continued, "In volleyball, even when our team isn't playing, I tend to watch with an analytical and critical eye, which can be somewhat tiring. But with baseball, I can fully enjoy it, so it feels different."
Among the various food options at the stadium, Araujo expressed a desire for chicken and tteokbokki. He enjoyed the game while tasting chicken, tteokbokki, and popcorn served in containers shaped like baseball bats.
The central position vacancy created by Lee Sang-hyun's (27) enlistment in the National Army was filled by new Asia quota player Martin. Meanwhile, Ali Hagparast (22) chose to go overseas, leaving a vacancy on the side. This made Araujo's burden even heavier.
Additionally, as he is two years older, more analysis and competition are required. Araujo stated, "Volleyball is a sport heavily influenced by analysis. There is also a battle of who studies more." He added, "But from a personal perspective, I believe I can expand my options in various ways, such as serves or attacks."
As the senior player who experienced Korea first, Araujo has become a great support for Martin. Martin said, "Araujo advised us that Korea's volleyball system is different from abroad and we need to adapt well. Beyond that, he also helped with interpersonal relationships, advising on how to get along with teammates and coaches."
Last season's spring volleyball experience has further motivated Araujo. He said, "The spring volleyball experience was so good. Now that I've tasted it, I want to go even higher." He added, "Of course, the goal is important, but if we move forward step by step in every moment, good results will follow. I think everyone knows what our next goal is without me having to say it," revealing his ambition for a championship.
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*This content was translated by AI.
