Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Willis
Dontrelle Wayne Willis, nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseballfor the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds. Willis was notable for his success during his first few years in the MLB and for his unconventional pitching style, which included a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter. He was named the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBaseball Player
Date of Birth12 January 1982
CityOakland, CA
CountryUnited States of America
When I saw the ball, I knew in my mind I was going to go for it. I don't know how to slide feet first yet. I think I went the safest route.
We're tired of mistakes, too. We're beating ourselves up and nothing anybody can say can be any harsher than what we are telling ourselves.
You hear all the critics talking about how tough its going to be. But for a lot of guys, it's a big opportunity for them. I tell them to enjoy it. Smile sometimes. Enjoy that this is a game.
When you think of all the players in the Braves organization, when they were in Milwaukee and now Atlanta, to be one of five players to be on the wall, that's special,
We should win it, most definitely. Every team should feel they have a chance to win, or they shouldn't come out. I don't want to be around guys who don't want to win. We're all in it because we want to win.
I hope that more [African-Americans] decide to play after seeing the things that I was able to accomplish; not only myself, but other African-American players. Hopefully, they pick up a bat and a ball and go out there and play.
I want to be a traveling circus in that big-league uniform, like everybody else.
I was nervous batting eighth, and I was nervous batting seventh.
It's not about the money for me.
I know about having days off. They can be helpful sometimes, especially late in the year. It's just key to go out there and establish early, especially in this park where they can put up some crooked numbers early.
When I walked into the locker room, everybody said I had to stop sliding headfirst. Before I even got in there, they were telling me, 'Would you please stop?' Even American League guys were saying that. Vernon Wells said, 'Please stop sliding headfirst.' They all love the enthusiasm and intensity I show.
We're still in this race. That's all I care about, ... We have to win out, and it started today.
Whatever it takes. I'm a guy that loves the game of baseball, period, ... All aspects. I take pride in all aspects of the game - defensively, pitching, whatever it takes to be successful, that's what I take pride in.
There are only 13 who have done it. It's definitely a hard feat, especially today where the power numbers are greater and the parks are smaller. To be able to be successful and win 20 is special.