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
It's big for our team because it gives them an extra day. We're definitely going to need them. I know about having days off. They can be helpful sometimes, especially late in the year. It's just key to go out there and establish early, especially in this park where they can put up some crooked numbers early.
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.
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 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.
Keep winning and get to the postseason, ... I won 20 games and they just dumped one beer on my head. It feels good because I'm helping my team win.
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.
He's very enthusiastic. The last few days he's been running around, trying to help the catchers. Things like that. I think that's a great fit for our team because we're very young and enthusiastic ourselves. He's almost like a player, running around touching base and everything.
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.