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
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 made some good pitches, I made some bad pitches. As far as my strength, I felt good.
It's bigger than just me, ... For the most part, it's something that I can't fathom. Obviously, I'm close, but it's historical. I never thought I'd be in the history books as far as individual awards, and what have you.
I don't feel any pressure. I'm going to continue to do what I do as far as my work ethic and my training for me to get prepared for the season. That doesn't dictate anything.
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 felt really confident in my stuff. Toward the end I made some bad pitches, but as far as the game and my strength I felt great there.
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're still in this race. That's all I care about, ... We have to win out, and it started today.
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.
I was trying to tell him to call time. Next thing you know, (Rollins) was running. The situation got out of hand quickly.
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.
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.
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.