Examining Zac Gallen’s Philadelphia-Area Roots
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen is on a mission to eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and secure a spot in the World Series. While Gallen now proudly represents Arizona, his ties to the Philadelphia area cannot be ignored. Born in Somerdale, New Jersey, just 14 miles from Philadelphia, Gallen grew up in nearby Gibbsboro.
Ambitious Dreams and Cardinals Fandom
Despite his proximity to Philadelphia, Gallen did not grow up as a Phillies fan. Instead, his childhood dreams revolved around pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, and he idolized Mark McGwire. In 2016, his dream seemed to be within reach when he was drafted by the Cardinals. However, fate had other plans, and Gallen was traded to the Miami Marlins merely 18 months later.
Embracing the Emotional Connection
Gallen’s upcoming matchup against the Phillies holds personal significance as he will be pitching against the team he once admired. Nevertheless, he aims to approach the series with a professional mindset. While acknowledging the sentimental aspect of starting Game 1 in the NLCS at Citizens Bank Park, the stadium he frequented as a child, Gallen plans to block out most emotional distractions and treat the series as a “business trip.”
As a testament to his Philadelphia connection, Gallen maintains his loyalty to local institutions such as Wawa and Pat’s cheesesteaks. These small reminders of his upbringing are threads that still tie him to his roots, even as he pursues a career in baseball far from his hometown.
The Journey through High School and College
Bishop Eustace Preparatory School
During his formative high school years, Gallen attended Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. This period predates his distinctive long hair and beard. His talent on the baseball field caught the attention of scouts, as he was ranked as the No. 341 player in the nation and the No. 10 player in New Jersey in the class of 2013 by Perfect Game.
University of North Carolina
For college, Gallen ventured far from the Philadelphia area and attended the University of North Carolina. He had an impressive collegiate career, posting a 3.36 ERA over three seasons with the Tar Heels. In his junior season, Gallen achieved a remarkable 2.79 ERA. His performance and potential as a player captured the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals, who drafted him in the third round in 2016.
A Star Rising in the MLB
Gallen’s journey in professional baseball has had its twists and turns. After being traded to the Miami Marlins along with Sandy Alcantara in 2017, Gallen quickly made his mark in the major leagues. Two years later, the Marlins sent him to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for prospect Jazz Chisholm.
As of now, the Diamondbacks appear to have had the upper hand in the trade, as Gallen’s talent has shone brightly. In 2022, he finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting and even started the All-Star Game for the NL during the same season. Gallen’s excellence on the mound has propelled the Diamondbacks to the NLCS for the first time since 2007, a remarkable feat for the team and a moment of personal significance for Gallen as he faces his childhood local team.
Editorial and Advice: Nurturing Local Talent and Following One’s Dreams
Zac Gallen’s journey from a young baseball enthusiast in the Philadelphia area to becoming an MLB star offers valuable lessons to both aspiring athletes and communities hoping to nurture local talent.
Appreciating Local Roots
In Gallen’s case, his connection to his local community played a significant role in his development. While he may not have been a Phillies fan, his proximity to Philadelphia served as both a motivation and an inspiration. His love for the sport, combined with exposure to professional baseball in his hometown, fueled his dreams and drove him to pursue a career in the MLB.
This highlights the importance of fostering an environment in which young athletes can thrive and be inspired by successful role models within their communities. Through exposure to local teams and opportunities to engage with professional athletes, young talent can be ignited, and dreams can be realized.
Perseverance and Adaptability
Gallen’s journey also underscores the need for perseverance and adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Despite his initial setback of being traded from the Cardinals, Gallen continued to pursue his passion and showcase his talent, ultimately finding success with the Diamondbacks.
His ability to navigate challenges and adapt to new environments highlights the importance of mental fortitude and resilience. Young athletes can learn from Gallen’s determination to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities, even when the path diverges from the original plan.
Conclusion
Zac Gallen’s story epitomizes the triumph of local talent and the determination required to succeed at the highest level of professional baseball. As he prepares to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS, Gallen’s Philly-area roots serve as a reminder of the impact that a supportive community and unwavering dreams can have on a young athlete’s journey. His story should inspire both aspiring athletes and communities to nurture and embrace local talent, fostering an environment where dreams can take flight.
<< photo by Martin Péchy >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
