As we celebrate our Home Issue, we’re spotlighting Arizona Diamondbacks standouts Zac Gallen and Corbin Carroll, who don’t just play here—they live here year-round. From staying involved in the community during the offseason to preparing for another exciting season, Arizona is more than just a backdrop—it’s home.
Zac and Corbin share personal stories, from their favorite local spots to unforgettable moments on and off the field. Whether they’re making plays or making memories, their Arizona connection is a home run in every sense.
Here's an exclusive read on the insights they shared during their magazine cover shoot.
"I stay in Arizona during the offseason. I'm at Salt River Fields often—about four days a week. It’s such a great setup, and being able to train here year-round is a huge advantage."
– Corbin on staying local during the offseason
"I like to hang with my English Bulldog, Moose. He often comes with me to Salt River for practice, and by the end of the day, he’s completely exhausted."
– Zac man’s best friend
" I love spots like Bacanora downtown. It’s a favorite because my friend René owns it—it’s always fun to support someone you know, and the food is amazing."
– Zac on his go-to dinner spot
"As soon as the season ends, you want to start getting ready for the next one. I take off for a week and then I’m back to throwing and playing catch every day."
– Zac on pitching prep
"In the outfield, my favorite plays are the sliding ones—they're the most fun, and there’s a rush when you make that kind of play. It’s the kind of thing that gets the crowd going, and that energy is contagious."
– Corbin on his favorite part of playing outfield
"As a pitcher, I love being able to control the tempo of the game. The pitch clock aside, nothing starts until I throw. It’s nice to be able to set the pace and dictate how things unfold."
– Zac on being a pitcher
"If I could strike out any player, it would probably be Barry Bonds, just to see what that challenge would be like. I think it would be a battle. But I’d strike out Babe Ruth in three pitches. …And Moreno."
– Zac on an ideal one-on-one
"As a kid, my favorite jerseys were Ichiro and Robinson Canó. Seeing kids in my jersey now is super special."
– Corbin on coming full circle
"The streak is up there, along with my MLB debut and the World Series."
– Zac on his most memorable moments
"Fantasy football? Don’t get me started—it’s a sore subject. We had the best team all season, start to finish, but made some trades late in the year. One of our assistant GMs beat us in the semifinals by seven points. Seven! I’m still bitter about it."
– Zac on his Fantasy Football loss
"When I strike someone out like Aaron Judge, it’s a great feeling. He’s such a talented player, so it’s fun when you fool him and think, ‘Okay, I can hang with the best.’"
– Zac on striking out a big-timer
"Favorite stadiums to play at besides Arizona? San Diego’s incredible—the energy is unmatched. Wrigley and Fenway are also amazing because of the history and tradition. Playing there makes you feel like part of something bigger."
– Corbin on his favorite stadiums to play in
"When we play in L.A., they bring Dodger dogs into the clubhouse for us."
– Corbin on the best hot dogs in baseball
"Before games, I stick to something simple: rice and a protein like chicken, steak, or fish. Our team cooks are amazing."
– Corbin on his pre-game meal
"A tough loss or a big win, you just have to show up the next day and stay consistent. Baseball is a long season—you can't dwell too much on any one game. The focus must stay on the bigger picture."
– Zac on handling wins and losses
"My dad recently gave me a small horse statue with a cowboy. It was made by my dad’s friend, and it’s a piece of family history. My grandpa was also an architect and did my parent’s first house. I am getting those original plans framed.”
– Corbin on his most special home décor
"Being part of our young Diamondbacks team is exciting. It’s fun to cultivate a fan base and grow with the community. Seeing kids grow up rooting for us makes it more meaningful."
– Zac on playing for a fresh team
"I proposed to my fiancée the Friday before Thanksgiving at our house. Wedding planning is definitely harder than pitching."
– Zac on getting engaged
"Above our bed, we have the Zach Bryan Burn Burn Burn album cover as artwork. We both love the picture—it’s simple but meaningful, and it’s one of the most personal things in our home."
– Zac on a meaningful piece of home décor
"She had no idea what I did for a living when we met, and I love that about her. She didn’t care about baseball—she’s a fan of me, not the sport, and that’s something I appreciate."
– Zac on what he appreciates about his fiancée
"Drink of choice? In the summer, I’m a tequila person. In colder weather, I’ll go for bourbon—an Old Fashioned hits the spot."
– Zac on his go-to sipper
"I love golf. Whisper Rock, Silverleaf, and Scottsdale National are some of my favorite courses. I don’t take it too seriously—I play for fun and just enjoy being outside."
– Zac on golfing in AZ
"There’s really nothing like hitting a home run. It’s nice… you don’t have to run the bases fast."
– Corbin on the thrill of hitting a homer
"Staying grounded for me comes from my upbringing in New Jersey (go Sixers). My family always reminded me to stay humble and remember where I came from. It’s about playing for the little kid in me who dreamed of this life."
– Zac on staying grounded
"I didn’t have a backup plan. Baseball was Plan A—and the only plan I had. I put everything into it, and thankfully, it worked out."
– Zac on his career mindset
"If there’s a secret to pitching, it’s learning to throw strikes at a young age. You might not have the velocity yet, but commanding the ball is something you can always work on. It sets the foundation for everything else."
– Zac on pitching advice
"Michael Jordan is still my idol. I was also a huge Cardinals fan—Albert Pujols was my guy. Watching him hit was inspiring, especially as someone who wasn’t the biggest kid on the team."
– Zac on his childhood idols
"I didn’t become a full-time pitcher until college. I wasn’t a big kid. Through high school, I played shortstop. Transitioning to pitching full-time was a game-changer and opened so many doors for me."
– Zac on his path to pitching
"Baseball doesn’t feel like work. Even though it’s our job, we’re out there playing a game with friends and having fun like we did when we were kids."
– Zac on his favorite part of the game
"Baseball was Plan A—and the only plan I had." -Zac Gallen