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 got the call telling me I had won, I was definitely floored and honored.
He is a good guy. I'm not believing it.
I feel I let my team down today, ... My heart is bleeding for everybody else. I felt like I should have gotten it done today. That's how it is. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don't.
That's B.S. We lost. I don't pat myself on the back for that stuff. I don't need to make myself any excuses or any pick-me-ups. I can pick myself up. I'm a man and this is what happens. This is what comes with the game, all types of different situations and this is one of them.
I don't even really care, to be totally honest. I'm really concerned about the lineup. I know I'm not betting on getting any hits off him, I'm just trying to keep the game as close as I can to give my team a chance.
His name is on the wall, that shows you what kind of player he was,
I don't even know what I'm right now at as far as wins. I can't even tell you. I've still got 300 to go. You have to be very fortunate and very lucky and very blessed to stay healthy to be able to have a chance to go out there and do those type of things. I need all the help and luck to be on my side.
I popped my knee but it wasn't a big deal. Those things happen.
He's a lot more poised than I was at that age. His work ethic is great. I think going to college helped him, because he was already fine-tuned. When I went out there, I was kind of wide-eyed. He went out there focused.
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,
It's not about the money for me.
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.
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.