For Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Pavin Smith, becoming a part of Major League Baseball took him a long way from home—both literally and figuratively. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in Jupiter, Florida, Smith's road to the West is marked by countless moments of athletic passion, meaningful family relationships, and a lasting love for his new home in the Valley.
“I was born in Grand Rapids but moved to Jupiter at the age of four," Smith remembers. "My dad was a golf representative for the Gary Player organization, and my mom was at home with me and my sisters until she got her real estate license and began her career."
Sports were always at the center of his days, Smith recalls. “Baseball was the staple of my childhood.” However, he also spent time running around playing basketball and staying active with friends until about halfway through high school. That diversity of sports served him well as he climbed the ranks, eventually working his way onto the University of Virginia's baseball team. In 2015, he was a member of the team that took the Cavaliers to the College World Series national championship—a "forever special" experience that he says helped shape who he is today.
His aspiration to play as a pro became a reality in 2017 when he was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and just a few years later, in 2020, he made his Major League debut—an unforgettable milestone in his journey.
But Smith's Arizona story is not just about baseball. It’s about planting roots, building a life, and truly making the Valley his home.
“My wife and I got married in 2020, and when spring training opened in 2021, we just rented a random apartment out here for a few months," says Smith.
"We immediately fell in love with Arizona. And since we didn’t have a set home base in Florida, we decided to make Arizona our permanent home.”
They’ve lived all over the Valley—including Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler—each town offering something they loved.
“We were drawn to the area by the family-friendly environment and the welcoming community ambiance. We liked the feel of the neighborhoods and the variety. After seeing a lot of offers, we were finally able to get the home that felt right,” he says.
The lifestyle sealed the deal. "There's no shortage of things to do here in the Valley," Smith adds. "Each city is packed with terrific restaurants, coffee houses, entertainment, and activities everyone can enjoy. Having grown up in Florida, the mountain vistas here never get old either. It's a whole new kind of beauty."
Away from the ballpark, Smith enjoys getting out into the community—and Downtown Gilbert is one of his favorite places to unwind. “It’s such a great atmosphere,” he says. “You can walk around, grab a bite, pop into a local shop or just sit outside and enjoy the energy. It has that mix of charm and liveliness that’s hard to find.”
Reflecting on his time with the team, Smith says that being a Diamondback has been fulfilling in more ways than one. "The organization is just full of terrific people and families," he says. "My teammates care deeply about helping you succeed, and we have a great time together—on and off the field."
So what would he say to someone considering a move to Arizona?
"Do it," he laughs. “There's everything and more—wonderful weather, awesome people, incredible scenery. Sedona and Flagstaff are just a short drive away if you want to escape the heat in the summer or enjoy the snow in the winter. It’s a nice balance that makes life here feel complete.”
And for Smith, it's a home beyond the field—it's a place to grow, to live fully, and to call home for good.
"You can walk around, grab a bite, pop into a local shop or just sit outside and enjoy the energy. It has that mix of charm and liveliness that’s hard to find.”