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 looked at the second baseman and I figured I'd go hard and give up my body to get in there, ... It was key. It was all about just putting pressure on their guy. I wasn't able to put down any bunts today. I'm upset about that, but I was able to get some key hits for the team.
I'll never forget how nervous I was. It was almost like getting transferred to a new high school in your senior year. Everybody watching you. I was so erratic they either swung or I almost hit them. But it's funny. They still believed in me. I thought I was going to get released after that.
I just haven't played good baseball. I had a great game plan. I just didn't execute.
I just have enough trouble trying to concentrate on myself, to be totally honest. I'm a high-energy guy, and I'm a young guy, and I still battle every day going out there and controlling that and trying to focus on doing the job at hand.
I just got off the phone with my mother and she was just yelling and screaming. I can't blame her. When your son is a 24-year-old millionaire, regardless of whether he's throwing a baseball or working for Donald Trump, it's a beautiful thing.
I have to be prepared to take the mound every five days, and I can't afford to stop and listen to what people are saying.
I popped my knee but it wasn't a big deal. Those things happen.
I never thought I'd be in a situation like this ? to get that many wins in a single season, ... I'm definitely rolling with it.
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'm very optimistic, most definitely. I'm very optimistic. I'm very appreciative of this organization taking a chance on a young 21-year-old and I'll always hold onto that.
I'm waiting by my phone to make sure he is all right. He says it's the most wind he's ever seen.
Individual statistics are fine and dandy, but it's lonely out there. You want to share with the 24 other guys that helped you be successful.
Individual statistics are fine and dandy, but it's lonely out there, ... You want to share with the 24 other guys that helped you be successful.
I'm not surprised that the staff has so many relievers. They are carrying enough guys, and I'm sure that they will monitor the pitchers. They don't want to send anybody back hurt because they want people to want to play in the World Baseball Classic.