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 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.
It definitely hurts, because I felt like I let my team down. I have to find a way to get outs late in the game, especially when they're making a charge.
That was a tough loss. We're definitely beating ourselves up and there is not anything anybody can say that is harsher than what we're telling ourselves.
That was the first instinct I had ? to slide, ... I figured the quickest way I could get to the plate was to reach out as far as I can. I just said, 'I'm going to give up my body.' It's all about putting pressure on the other guys.
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.
That could have cost us the game, ... I've got to get that runner over somehow.
I was trying to tell him to call time. Next thing you know, (Rollins) was running. The situation got out of hand quickly.
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.
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 felt great. I could've thrown more. I was pitching off of my fastball, trying to get into a good count where I could throw something with some tilt.
I felt like I was in the game the whole time. I battled through it. I kept us in the game and there were some unfortunate plays and that's all they needed.
I feel we already won more games this year than everybody expected us to. We've shown we can compete.
I finally got a bunt down - I can't remember the last time I did that.
I did it twice in the bullpen, as well, ... It's funny. They still believed in me. I thought I was going to get released after that. I thought I was horrible. They definitely saw something that I didn't.