ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico left-handed pitcher Alex Estrella was one of many Lobo student-athletes honored Monday night at the Lobo Scholar-Athlete Banquet, but the native of Las Vegas was perhaps the biggest winner of all.
He was one of just two student-athletes to earn the UNM Store Postgraduate Scholarship and one of seven to receive a director’s chair for having already graduated, or will graduate, with a 4.0 GPA or better. Estrella, an economics major that is already doing coursework for his MBA in finance, has a 4.18 GPA. He was also named to the UNM All-Academic Team, which consists of the top student-athlete from each team at UNM.
“It’s always good to be recognized for your work,” he said, “but it’s not my main motivation by any means. At the end of the day I think work ethic and discipline are two important qualities to have on the field, off the field, or wherever you are.”
In 19 games this season, all in relief, Estrella is 2-2 with a 4.35 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 20.2 innings. He is holding right-handed batters to a .224 batting average against, which is almost unheard of for a southpaw.
“I’m extremely proud of this young man who has had to persevere,” UNM head baseball coach Ray Birmingham said. “He’s fought through it. He is one of the kids that I admire most out of all the players I’ve coached.”
Estrella is tied for the team lead in relief appearances this season after not pitching in 2014 and taking a redshirt. However, a change in his mechanics has allowed him to return to action and thrive as the Lobos’ first left-handed option out of the bullpen. He earned a three-inning save in UNM’s opening tournament in Arizona and has been a rock in the bullpen ever since.
“It’s been awesome coming back,” he said. “Last year was tough for me because I came to New Mexico for the baseball program. Not being part of the team last year really hurt, I’m not going to lie. But being able to be with my teammates this year is awesome. All the opportunities I’ve had on the mound this year have been great. It was a very tough last year to an awesome transition to this year so far.”
Birmingham sees big things in the future for Estrella on the diamond.
“He has a chance to be drafted this year,” he said. “He hit 93 (mph) on the gun in Las Vegas, and that will open people’s eyes and make them take notice.”
Regardless of whether or not he has a future in baseball, Estrella knows he wants to be in a position where he can help inspire people.
“At the end of the day, and this is going to sound cheesy,” he said, “but personally, I just want to be in a position where I can motivate and empower people. I just want to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I want to start my own business one day, something like a special facility gym. I want to have people who have been in athletics who can help youth or help with specialty training to make them more agile, strong or quick. I also want to coach younger kids and help them develop in athletics.”
Estrella is already a two-time Academic All-Mountain West and Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and will likely earn a third this season. Should he return for one more year he will stand a good chance to be just the seventh Lobo to be a four-time Academic All-Mountain West performer.
Although, as talented academically and athletically as Estrella is, he may already be moved on to his future endeavors.