Hi, my name is Zachary, but people call me Zaza. When I’m not playing sports, I’m watching sports. Sports are my favorite thing in the world. That’s why I enjoy being a kid sports reporter!
I got such a cool chance to interview pros from the Diamondbacks, Suns and Cardinals.
First, I went to Chase Field to join practice before a game. After hanging in the dugout and watching batting practice, one of my dreams came true: playing catch with some of the pros!
Next, I got to shoot baskets with Grayson Allen at the Phoenix Suns training facility. Grayson and I are both #8; he was so kind and taught me some tricks for making 3-pointers.
Finally, I made buddies with Sean Murphy-Bunting, a Super Bowl champ. He’s the new Cardinals CB and the nicest NFL player you’ll ever meet.
Now, I’m going to share some of my interviews with you!
Arizona Diamondbacks
Zaza: What's the best coach advice you ever received?
Blaze Alexander (D-Backs/Triple-A Reno): Slow the game down. Don't speed it up. Remember to breathe.
Geraldo Perdomo: Enjoy what I do and be humble.
Zaza: When you slide into home and score, how do you feel?
Blaze Alexander: It’s a rush of energy! The best part is coming back in the dugout and giving high fives.
Zaza: How do you get over a loss?
Jake McCarthy: We play a ton of games and truth is, we won’t win everything. We must keep going, do our best, and be there for our teammates.
Zaza: What do you think about when you're on base?
Blaze Alexander: How I can advance to the next base and ultimately get a run.
Zaza: What’s the key to being a great hitter?
Blaze: Being selective and not swinging at everything. Look for a pitch you can drive.
Jake McCarthy: My teammates hit harder than me... ask Christian Walker. It takes a ton of practice.
Zaza: How do you feel before a game?
Blaze Alexander: Adrenaline's flowing and you're excited. All eyes are on you; you're on TV, but it’s the same game you played as a kid.
Geraldo Perdomo: For me, it’s just another day in the best office in the world.
Zaza: What was your favorite thing to do as a kid?
Blaze Alexander: Run around the neighborhood, play sandlot baseball, throw the football, and ride bikes.
Geraldo Perdomo: I liked to have fun and hang by the river.
Zaza: What’s your walk-up song?
Blaze Alexander: It changes, but my first was “Cinderella” by Metro Boomin.
8 Questions for #8 on the Phoenix Suns, Grayson Allen
Zaza: What do you like better, beach or mountains?
Grayson: I grew up on the beach, so I'm going with beach.
Zaza: Purple Suns jersey or black Suns jersey?
Grayson: Black.
Zaza: What's the key to a number three?
Grayson: Balance and rhythm.
Zaza: Hobbies outside basketball?
Grayson: Video games, hiking and watching movies.
Zaza: If you could play one-on-one with anyone, who would it be?
Grayson: Michael Jordan or Kobe.
Zaza: Favorite meal?
Grayson: A cheeseburger, fries, and chocolate milkshake.
Zaza: Advice for young kids who love sports?
Grayson: Focus on having fun first. Don’t grind yourself so hard that you fall out of love with it. Use that love to drive the hard work.
Zaza: What kind of music do you like?
Grayson: My wife has us on a country kick.
Hanging with Sean Murphy Bunting, Arizona Cardinals
Zaza: What was it like winning the Super Bowl?
SMB: It was surreal... we were young and we won it with Tom Brady, the GOAT. It was so cool.
Zaza: Favorite NFL memories so far...
SMB: By default, I have to say the Super Bowl. But also, during my rookie year in 2019 we were playing against the Detroit Lions- my hometown team- and I caught a pick 6. I celebrated in the end zone like I was Deion Sanders.
Zaza: Growing up, who was your idol?
SMB: My dad and mom... and for football, Charles Woodson. I really enjoyed watching him.
Zaza: What’s the key to being a good Cornerback?
SMB: Speed, smarts and strength.
Zaza: What do you eat on game day?
SMB: Usually an omelet and smoothie for breakfast, chicken and rice for lunch, a banana before the game, and pizza to celebrate a big win.
Zaza: Did you always have big dreams of playing pro football?
SMB: You’re the first person to ever ask me that and the truth is, no. Actually, I always wanted to be a baseball player. I chose football because football chose me.
Zaza: What’s your family like?
SMB: I have 5 brothers and I’m smack in the middle. Middle kids are cool, athletic, fun and smart... great at video games, too.
Zaza: My new 4th grade teacher really loves football... will you come to my class one day?
SMB: I’d love to; just say when. Then everyone will know that we’re friends.