Dontrelle Willis
Gliding onto the big league scene in 2003, 21-year old Dontrelle Willis won 14 games with a flair, helping the Florida Marlins to their second World Series title. Using a high leg kick and several different arm angles and pitches, the southpaw delighted crowds and frustrated enemy batters. An excellent athlete, the California-native was used as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner, and at times he hit seventh in the lineup for Jack McKeon's Marlins in 2005.
Quotes About Willis
"Dontrelle is the heart and soul of this team." — Marlins teammate Dan Uggla, 2007
Played For
Florida Marlins (2003-2005)
Best Season: 2005
Where He Played
Starting pitcher
Born
Dontrelle Wayne Willis was born on January 12, 1982, in Oakland, CA.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: FLO
College: None
Major League Debut
May 9, 2003
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 2003
Jeremy Bonderman
Hideki Matsui
Mark Teixera
Miguel Cabrera
Jason Bay
Rocco Baldelli
Jose Contrares
Dontrelle Willis
Justin Morneau
Similar Players
Satchel Paige
Related Players
Through 2006, only Babe Ruth had posted a better winning percentage in the month of April than Willis... When he won 20 games in 2005, Willis became the 13th African-American to do so. He joined Vida Blue, Bob Gibson, Al Downing, Dwight Gooden, Mudcat Grant, Ferguson Jenkins, Sam Jones, Don Newcombe, Mike Norris, J.R. Richard, Dave Stewart, and Earl Wilson.
Post-Season Appearances
2003 National League Championship Series
2003 National League Divisional Series
2003 World Series
Awards and Honors
2003 NL Rookie of the Year
Notes
Willis pens "Joyce" on the underside of the bill of his cap, which is his mother's name... On April 23, 2007, with his mother cheering him from the stands, Willis started for the Marlins in Florida while his wife was in the hospital awaiting the birth of their first child. Willis got two hits, scored a run, and earned the victory over the Braves. After the game, he went to the hospital for the birth of his daughter.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Willis was placed on the DL for the first time in his career in April 2008 due to a knee injury.
All-Star Selections
2003 NL
2005 NL
Learn More about Dontrelle Willis
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