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
I am still excited to be here, but I am not playing the best baseball that I know I can play. I hope we can advance so I can get another shot of helping the team win. My work has been good but the results just aren't there.
I'm very excited just to meet with him and talk baseball with him. He's an experienced winner and he comes from a great organization that knows how to win. I think he's going to put that personality and that feeling in our locker room, so it's a good choice.
I knew the situation. You knew where they were going with all the trades, so I kind of figured I was going to go to a one-year deal, which is fine with me. Everybody wants that 'A-Rod' 10-year, $25 million deal but you have to deal with circumstances. I'm just definitely excited to make more than $375,000 (his 2005 salary).
I'm still excited to be here. The bottom line is, I'm just not playing good baseball. I'm a man and can admit it. ... I'm hoping we advance so I'll get another start.
Especially the last couple of days people were very excited, more excited than I was, ... I was eager to see how things were going to turn out, but I slept easy (Wednesday) night. ... I'm the second-best pitcher in the National League, which is not that dang bad.
They're going to be in it regardless of how many people get hurt. Bobby Cox is always going to have those guys ready to play.
It was all positive. I'm just happy I'm employed again.
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 is a good guy. I'm not believing it.
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.
Last night, I used Cabrera's bat. I just literally go into someone's locker and say, 'I want this bat.' They let me have it, and I tape it up.
I finally got a bunt down - I can't remember the last time I did that.
It is a high honor especially when you consider I'm so young in my career. I'm going to go out there and try to win the game.