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
There are only 13 who have done it. It's definitely a hard feat, especially today where the power numbers are greater and the parks are smaller. To be able to be successful and win 20 is special.
When I got the call telling me I had won, I was definitely floored and honored.
We definitely are few, but we're a proud few, ... Everybody's been rooting for me since I was 15. It's a camaraderie, not just pitchers but African American players in general.
We definitely are a few but a proud few, ... It's historic. It's a beautiful thing, not only for baseball, but for my team. Hopefully we'll just keep going.
We are definitely a few but a proud few and we take a lot of pride in going out theere and competing.
I'm just out there having fun, ... If I'm not having fun I'm definitely not playing the type of baseball I want to play.
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.
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.
It's definitely frustrating to see when you know the capability of our team. We just haven't hit it yet.
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 have a tough angle, man. I think of me on the mound. Sometimes, I don't even have the same arm slots. It's just little things, whatever it takes to get guys out. I definitely wouldn't want to hit off myself.
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.
I can't fathom having this many wins. But today was definitely a team effort.
I didn't do anything right. This is a game you tip your hat to the other team. ... I was definitely ready to go. There's no excuse. I feel bad whenever we lose, regardless of what uniform I'm wearing.