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Jake McCarthy and Zaza

Featured Article

What Dreams are Made Of

We sent a sports-obsessed kid reporter to interview pro players from the D-Backs, Suns and Cardinals

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.