Estrada keeps mask on for pop-ups

Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
May. 11, 2006 12:00 AM

PITTSBURGH - Next time you watch a Diamondbacks game and Johnny Estrada is behind the plate, pay close attention. Especially when an opposing hitter hits a high pop-up anywhere in his vicinity.

Know what you'll discover, if you haven't already?

Unlike the textbook way most catchers handle pop-ups, Estrada doesn't take off his mask and throw it to the side when tracking the ball and making the catch. He doesn't have to. And he usually never does.

"The reason is because I can see so well out of it," said Estrada, who wears a goalie-type mask, a larger, safer version of the old catcher's variety. "I might take it off and chuck it if I'm going after a real tough one - something that's really high and moving a lot because of the wind - but I've just gotten used to leaving it on."

The mask has a wide rectangular opening for sight, but is small enough to deflect a pitch or fouled-off ball. It also features a moveable neck protector.

"As catchers, we're always taught to take the mask off, find the ball, then chuck it so you don't step on it or trip over it," Estrada said. "But it fits so tight on my face, I just do it this way. I've been wearing one like this since Double-A ball in 2000."

His mask with the Diamondbacks is unique, however, in that just like an NHL goalie, he's had it specially painted by an artist to reflect the team and city for which he plays. Not surprising, Estrada's mask features a couple images of rattlesnakes.

"I like my mask," he said. "That's another reason why I don't throw it."

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/18/05

This must be the place

Injured Braves catcher Johnny Estrada spent part of the team's day off Monday at a Cobb County middle school, where he's using his No Drugs Foundation to help start a D.A.R.E. program to help keep kids away from drugs and gangs.

As he drove to the school, Estrada wondered whether his efforts might be more useful at an inner-city school. After speaking at the middle school, he stopped to get gas nearby before his drive home from Cobb County.

"I was pumping gas at a BP station, wearing a polo shirt and hat with 'No Drugs' on them," he said, "and a guy came up to me and tried to sell me [cocaine]. I couldn't believe it. He said, 'I've got some good powder.'

"I said, 'You've got the wrong guy.' I said to myself, 'I guess we're in the right place.'"