Dontrelle Willis
Encyclopedia
Dontrelle Wayne Willis nicknamed "The D-Train", is an American
professional baseball
pitcher
. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter. Willis was named the 2003 National League
Rookie of the Year
.
. Willis attended Encinal High School
in Alameda, California
, where he played baseball for four years. He is the son of Clinton Ostah, a former minor league player in the 1970s. In Willis' senior year, he went 12-1 with a 0.83 ERA in 70 innings. Scouts never doubt his talents but rather his crazy motion. One scout even called him a "Poor man's CC Sabathia." He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs
in the 8th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft
. In 2001, Willis was bumped up to the Boise Hawks of the Northwest League. He finished with 8 wins and a 2.98 earned run average. Opposing hitters only batted .217 against Willis. In a Baseball America poll, several NWL managers called Willis the Boise's best player.
On March 27, 2002, the Cubs traded Willis (then a minor leaguer), fellow pitchers Julián Tavárez
and José Cueto, and catcher
Ryan Jorgensen to the Florida Marlins
, in exchange for pitchers Matt Clement
and Antonio Alfonseca
. In the 2003 Spring Training, Willis reported to Jupiter. The plan was to start him with the Class-AA Carolina Mudcats. The hope was that he would make the leap to AAA, and potentially be available for a spot start in Florida or a back-of-the-bullpen job late in the season. The Marlins then sent Willis down to Carolina to work on consistency. Willis would dominate at Carolina. He went 4-0 with a 1.49 earned run average.
On May 14, in a start against the Padres, Willis went 5 innings, allowed 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 4 base on balls, and got his first Major League win. On June 6, Willis pitched 9 innings and allowed no runs against the Mets for his first career shutout. Willis would also pitch against Tom Glavine
, one of his childhood heroes. Willis would beat Glavine 1-0 against the Mets on June 16.
On June 11, Willis' start against the Milwaukee Brewers
, the game was generated as the as the highest of a Marlins broadcast since 1998.
Willis was named Rookie of the Month for the month of June and became the first Marlins pitcher to be named Pitcher of the Month. He was also named Rookie of the Month for the month of June. In 5 starts, Willis went 5-0 with a 1.04 earned run average.
Heading in the All Star Break, Willis was 9-1 with a 2.08 earned run average
in 13 starts.
On July 30, Willis beat Randy Johnson
of the Diamondbacks, also one of his childhood heroes. Willis went 7 innings and allowed only 1 earned run. After the game Johnson left him a message saying,"“Good luck, keep working hard.”
In 2003, Willis was named the National League
Rookie of the Year
. He was also named to the 2003 National League All Star team as an injury replace to Kevin Brown of the Dodgers. Willis was unable to play in the game. He went 14–6 with a 3.30 earned run average
in 27 starts after earning a call-up from the Double-A Carolina Mudcats
. Willis' 14 wins was the most ever for a Marlins pitcher in his rookie season. During the postseason, Willis showcased his remarkable (for a pitcher) hitting ability by going 3-for-3 with a triple
while scoring a run during Game 4 of the 2003 National League Division Series
, which the Marlins won 7–6 over the San Francisco Giants
, the team that first drafted him, to advance to the NL Championship Series
. The Marlins then went on to defeat the New York Yankees
in the 2003 World Series
.
and Preston Wilson
. But by the end of the 2004 season, his record was only 10-11 and his ERA was 4.02. The Marlins went 83-79 and finished 13 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves
.
and the Philadelphia Phillies
. During the month of April, Willis went 5-0 in 5 starts and allowed 5 earned runs in 35 innings pitched for a 1.29 ERA. He would be named pitcher of the month for the month of April.
On May 6, Willis became the major league first six-game winner when he went 7 innings and allowed no runs against the Rockies. "I felt strong," Willis said. "I was able to stay down in the zone. That's my key, because I don't throw 100 mph. I can't live up in the zone. In all my starts I've been trying to stay down, and hopefully they swing at it."
On June 8, Willis became only the third pitcher in Marlins history to record 10 wins before the All-Star Break. On June 23, Willis became the NL's first 12 game winner when he pitched a shutout against the Braves. He's tough," Braves Manager Bobby Cox
said. "He deserves to start the All-Star game, to be honest with you. He's the dominant pitcher in the National League right now."
Going into the All-Star Break, Willis was 13-4 with a 2.39 earned run average
and a 1.14 WHIP
. Willis was named to the All Star team but did not pitch in the game. Willis kept pace with his great first half after the All Star Break. He went 9-6 and posted a 2.91 earned run average
and a 1.13 WHIP
.
Willis matched his highest win total on July 28 against the Prates when he went 7 innings, allowed 3 hits, no earned runs, and picked up his 14th victory of the season. Before that start, Willis went 0-3 with a 15.92 ERA against the Chicago Cubs
, the Phillies, and the San Francisco Giants
. Willis would win his career high 15th victory on August 7 against the Reds. He went 8 innings, allowed 4 hits, and no earned runs. Willis won his 19th win of the season against the Mets on September 2. He broke Carl Pavano's franchise record of most wins by a Marlins pitcher in a season. Pavano won 18 games in 2004. Willis would become the first Marlins pitcher to win 20 games in a season. He went 6 innings against the Nationals and allowed 4 hits and 1 earned runs.
On August 17, Willis held the Padres scoreless by shutting the Padres out in 9 innings. "He's as good as anybody," San Diego manager Bruce Bochy
said. "We aren't the first team he has shut out this year." The win put Florida one and a half game behind Houston and Philadelphia in the wild card
standings.
On September 7 against the Washington Nationals
, Willis pitched 6 innings and allowed 1 earned run, which gave him his 20th win of the season. He also became the first African American pitcher to win 20 games in a season since Dave Stewart
did it in 1990.
On September 22, Willis became the first pitcher to bat seventh or higher since Montreal's Steve Renko
batted seventh on August 26, 1973. Willis went one for four against the New York Mets
. He would go on to post a 22-10 record with a 2.63 earned run average
and 1.13 WHIP. His 22 wins was the most in baseball. He also pitched 7 complete games and 5 shutouts, also the most in baseball. Willis is still the only pitcher in Marlins' history to win 20 games in a season. The Marlins went 83-79 and finished 7 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves.
Willis would go on to finish 2nd in the N.L Cy Young voting behind Chris Carpenter
of the St. Louis Cardinals
. Willis was also the winner of the Warren Spahn Award, given to the best left-handed pitcher in each league.
, base on balls
, and hit by pitch
.
On July 7, Willis became the first pitcher to hit a grand slam since Robert Person
did it in 2002. On September 20, 2006 he hit 2 home runs off of Oliver Perez
and Roberto Hernandez.
On June 20, 2006, Willis earned his 50th career win in a start against the Baltimore Orioles
.
On September 20, 2006, Willis pitched 8⅓ innings with four strikeouts and also became the first pitcher in Marlins history with a multiple-home run game.
.
In the 2007 Season, Willis went 10-15 with a 5.17 earned run average
and a 1.60 WHIP
. Up to that point, it was his worst season of his career. At one point, Willis went 13 straight starts without getting a victory. Willis led the National League in earned runs allowed with 118. Despite his struggles on the mound, Willis would have his best hitting season in the Major League. He hit .286 with 2 home runs and 7 runs batted in. During his career with the Marlins, Dontrelle went 68-54 with a 3.78 earned run average
and a 1.36 WHIP
. He won at least 10 games during 5 years with the Marlins from 2003-2007.
to the Detroit Tigers
for Andrew Miller
, Cameron Maybin
, Mike Rabelo
, Eulogio de la Cruz, Dallas Trahern
and Burke Badenhop
. Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski
then signed Willis to a 3-year, $29 million contract extension two weeks later.
In his debut with the Tigers, Willis went 5 innings, gave up 1 hit, and 3 earned runs against the White Sox.
In a start against the Chicago White Sox
, Willis injured his left knee and departed the game before even recording an out. Placed on the disabled list the next day, Willis had walked nine batters while striking out none in his first two outings. Command of his pitches became a trouble spot, and later in the season, Tiger manager Jim Leyland
pitched him in relief for the first time, with little success. He was placed back into the rotation on June 3, 2008 to start in a loss against the Oakland Athletics.
On June 10, 2008, Willis was sent down to Single-A Lakeland, a day after a start in which he gave up eight earned runs and five base on balls in 1⅓ innings pitched against the Cleveland Indians
. Though Willis had enough service time in the major leagues to require his consent prior to the send-down, he agreed, saying he needed to work on his control.
Willis was called back to the Tigers in time for the roster expansion on September 1, 2008. He made three starts, recording a loss and two no-decisions. Willis finished with a 0-2 record and a 9.17 ERA. In 24 innings pitched, Willis struggled with his control and walked 35 batters.
Willis was placed on the 15-day disabled list
in March 2009 for an anxiety disorder
after a blood test
showed something of concern; he began a treatment regimen aimed at addressing the condition. Willis was taken off the disabled list and placed on the active roster May 13, 2009, when he made his first start of the 2009 season. Willis made seven starts after returning, with poor results, before being returned to the disabled list on June 19 with the same anxiety issue.In Willis' last start of the season, he was tagged with 6 earned runs allowed and 8 base on balls. Willis finished the season with a 1-4 record and a 7.49 ERA.
In Spring Training 2010, Willis made the Tigers starting rotation.
On April 8, 2010, Willis started against the Kansas City Royals, giving the Tigers six innings and recording a no-decision. He gave up two earned runs, walking two and striking out four.
On May 30, 2010, Willis was designated for assignment by the Tigers.
During his career with the Tigers, Willis played in 24 games(22 starts). His record was 2-8 and had an ERA of 6.86 in 101 innings pitched.
for starting pitcher Billy Buckner
.
He changed back to his former uniform number 35, which he wore for the Marlins. In his Diamondback debut, he pitched six scoreless innings with four walks and three strikeouts. He got his first win as a member of the Diamondbacks.
Willis pitched four innings, giving up two runs and three hits, walking six batters on June 10. During the second inning, he cracked a finger nail and after the fourth inning, he was removed from the game due to the pain on the fingernail.
On July 4, 2010 Willis was designated for assignment and subsequently released.
In 6 games(5 starts) with the Diamondbacks, Willis went 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA in 24⅓ innings pitched as a member of the Diamondbacks.
of the Pacific Coast League
.
On November 6, 2010, Willis was granted free agency.
for the 2011 season. He was invited to spring training, for a chance at starter or bullpen.
Willis was reassigned to the Louisville Bats
as of March 27, 2011. Willis was called up on July 10 and made his Reds debut against Milwaukee at Miller Park. Willis pitched six innings, giving up two runs while striking out four and walking four. He also contributed on offense, going 1 for 2 with a double. Willis made his second start for Cincinnati on July 18th, 2011, at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. On August 3rd, Willis started, going six innings and hitting a solo home run but was charged with a no decision.
On August 9, Willis went 8 innings, struck out 10 batters, and allowed 3 earned runs against the Rockies but was charged with the loss. His 10 strikeouts was the most he had got in a start since he struck out 11 against the Diamondbacks on August 14, 2007. His 8 innings pitched was the most innings he pitched since his last start with the Florida Marlins, where he pitched 8 innings against the Cubs on September 25, 2007.
On August 14, Willis went 2.2 innings and allowed 4 earned runs against the San Diego Padres
. Before his start, Willis said that his forearm was still a little tight after he warmed up in the bullpen before the start.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. Willis is notable for his success during his first few years in the league and for his unconventional pitching style, which includes a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter. Willis was named the 2003 National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Rookie of the Year
Rookie of the Year
The Rookie of the Year award is given by a number of sports leagues, mainly in North America, to the top first-time professional athlete of a season. -Principal sports making award:...
.
Baseball career
Growing up in Oakland, Willis rooted for the Oakland A's as a kid. His mother Joyce was a soft ball catcher for her high school team. Willis' favorite player was former Oakland A's pitcher, Dave StewartDave Stewart
Dave Stewart may refer to:* Dave Stewart , former pitcher in Major League Baseball and 1989 World Series MVP* David A. Stewart , English musician and record producer best known for his work with Eurythmics...
. Willis attended Encinal High School
Encinal High School
Encinal High School is a public coeducational high school serving grades 9-12. It is located in Alameda, California and is part of the Alameda Unified School District.-Threatened closure:...
in Alameda, California
Alameda, California
Alameda is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located on Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, and is adjacent to Oakland in the San Francisco Bay. The Bay Farm Island portion of the city is adjacent to the Oakland International Airport. At the 2010 census, the city had a...
, where he played baseball for four years. He is the son of Clinton Ostah, a former minor league player in the 1970s. In Willis' senior year, he went 12-1 with a 0.83 ERA in 70 innings. Scouts never doubt his talents but rather his crazy motion. One scout even called him a "Poor man's CC Sabathia." He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
in the 8th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft
2000 Major League Baseball Draft
-First Round Selections:-Compensation picks:- Background :The Florida Marlins made Adrian Gonzalez of Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, CA the first overall selection in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft...
. In 2001, Willis was bumped up to the Boise Hawks of the Northwest League. He finished with 8 wins and a 2.98 earned run average. Opposing hitters only batted .217 against Willis. In a Baseball America poll, several NWL managers called Willis the Boise's best player.
Florida Marlins
Julián Tavárez
Julián Tavárez Carmen is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Minor leagues :...
and José Cueto, and catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Ryan Jorgensen to the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
, in exchange for pitchers Matt Clement
Matt Clement
Matthew Paul Clement is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Clement played for the San Diego Padres , Florida Marlins , Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox . While on the Red Sox active roster, he was injured all of the 2007 season...
and Antonio Alfonseca
Antonio Alfonseca
Antonio Alfonseca is a relief pitcher for the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He last pitched in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies, and is also known for having an extra digit on each hand and foot. Alfonseca has also played for the Florida...
. In the 2003 Spring Training, Willis reported to Jupiter. The plan was to start him with the Class-AA Carolina Mudcats. The hope was that he would make the leap to AAA, and potentially be available for a spot start in Florida or a back-of-the-bullpen job late in the season. The Marlins then sent Willis down to Carolina to work on consistency. Willis would dominate at Carolina. He went 4-0 with a 1.49 earned run average.
2003 season
On May 9, 2003, Willis made his Major League debut for the Florida Marlins. Against the Rockies, he pitched 6 innings, allowed 7 hits. 3 earned runs, and got a no decision.On May 14, in a start against the Padres, Willis went 5 innings, allowed 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 4 base on balls, and got his first Major League win. On June 6, Willis pitched 9 innings and allowed no runs against the Mets for his first career shutout. Willis would also pitch against Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine
Thomas Michael Glavine is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher.With 164 victories during the 1990s, Glavine was the second winningest pitcher in the National League, second only to teammate Greg Maddux's 176...
, one of his childhood heroes. Willis would beat Glavine 1-0 against the Mets on June 16.
On June 11, Willis' start against the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, the game was generated as the as the highest of a Marlins broadcast since 1998.
Willis was named Rookie of the Month for the month of June and became the first Marlins pitcher to be named Pitcher of the Month. He was also named Rookie of the Month for the month of June. In 5 starts, Willis went 5-0 with a 1.04 earned run average.
Heading in the All Star Break, Willis was 9-1 with a 2.08 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in 13 starts.
On July 30, Willis beat Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson
Randall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
of the Diamondbacks, also one of his childhood heroes. Willis went 7 innings and allowed only 1 earned run. After the game Johnson left him a message saying,"“Good luck, keep working hard.”
In 2003, Willis was named the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Rookie of the Year
MLB Rookie of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
. He was also named to the 2003 National League All Star team as an injury replace to Kevin Brown of the Dodgers. Willis was unable to play in the game. He went 14–6 with a 3.30 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in 27 starts after earning a call-up from the Double-A Carolina Mudcats
Carolina Mudcats
The Carolina Mudcats are a minor league baseball team based in the eastern suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina. The team, which plays in the Carolina League, are the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians major-league club beginning in 2012.-History:...
. Willis' 14 wins was the most ever for a Marlins pitcher in his rookie season. During the postseason, Willis showcased his remarkable (for a pitcher) hitting ability by going 3-for-3 with a triple
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
while scoring a run during Game 4 of the 2003 National League Division Series
2003 National League Division Series
-San Francisco Giants vs. Florida Marlins:-Game 1, September 30:Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaIn Game 1, Kerry Wood faced Russ Ortiz. Both pitchers were on their game and in the bottom of the third the Braves struck first when Marcus Giles homered to make it 1–0 Braves. The score remained 1–0...
, which the Marlins won 7–6 over the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, the team that first drafted him, to advance to the NL Championship Series
2003 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 7, 2003 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IllinoisThe Marlins took Game 1 of the series, coming back from an early 4–0 deficit. They scored five runs in the third on three home runs from Juan Encarnacion, rookie Miguel Cabrera, and Ivan "Pudge" Rodríguez. In the sixth inning,...
. The Marlins then went on to defeat the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in the 2003 World Series
2003 World Series
The 2003 World Series marked the 99th baseball World Series event. The Florida Marlins defeated the New York Yankees in six games, 4–2.-Background:...
.
2004 season
In 2004, Willis started the year by not allowing an earned run in his first 3 starts. He also showed some great hitting skills for a pitcher. In his first 2 starts, Willis went 6 for 6 with a home run. He started the season by going 3-0. His seven consecutive hits in the regular season was 1 short of the club record held by Gary SheffieldGary Sheffield
Gary Antonian Sheffield , nicknamed "Sheff", is an American retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for eight major league ball clubs from 1988 to 2009, primarily as an outfielder.-Biography:...
and Preston Wilson
Preston Wilson
Preston James Richard Wilson is a retired professional baseball outfielder. He played in the major leagues from 1998-2007. He is both the nephew and stepson of former New York Mets star Mookie Wilson...
. But by the end of the 2004 season, his record was only 10-11 and his ERA was 4.02. The Marlins went 83-79 and finished 13 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
.
2005 season
In 2005, Willis became one of the best pitchers in baseball. He started the 2005 season by pitching two shutouts against the Washington NationalsWashington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
and the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. During the month of April, Willis went 5-0 in 5 starts and allowed 5 earned runs in 35 innings pitched for a 1.29 ERA. He would be named pitcher of the month for the month of April.
On May 6, Willis became the major league first six-game winner when he went 7 innings and allowed no runs against the Rockies. "I felt strong," Willis said. "I was able to stay down in the zone. That's my key, because I don't throw 100 mph. I can't live up in the zone. In all my starts I've been trying to stay down, and hopefully they swing at it."
On June 8, Willis became only the third pitcher in Marlins history to record 10 wins before the All-Star Break. On June 23, Willis became the NL's first 12 game winner when he pitched a shutout against the Braves. He's tough," Braves Manager Bobby Cox
Bobby Cox
Robert Joseph "Bobby" Cox is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He first led the Atlanta Braves from 1978 to 1981, and then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He later rejoined the Braves in 1985 as a general manager...
said. "He deserves to start the All-Star game, to be honest with you. He's the dominant pitcher in the National League right now."
Going into the All-Star Break, Willis was 13-4 with a 2.39 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and a 1.14 WHIP
WHIP
WHIP may refer to* Walks plus hits per inning pitched, a baseball statistic* WHIP , a radio station in Mooresville, North Carolina, United States* WHIP , a student-run internet radio stream from Temple University...
. Willis was named to the All Star team but did not pitch in the game. Willis kept pace with his great first half after the All Star Break. He went 9-6 and posted a 2.91 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and a 1.13 WHIP
WHIP
WHIP may refer to* Walks plus hits per inning pitched, a baseball statistic* WHIP , a radio station in Mooresville, North Carolina, United States* WHIP , a student-run internet radio stream from Temple University...
.
Willis matched his highest win total on July 28 against the Prates when he went 7 innings, allowed 3 hits, no earned runs, and picked up his 14th victory of the season. Before that start, Willis went 0-3 with a 15.92 ERA against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, the Phillies, and the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. Willis would win his career high 15th victory on August 7 against the Reds. He went 8 innings, allowed 4 hits, and no earned runs. Willis won his 19th win of the season against the Mets on September 2. He broke Carl Pavano's franchise record of most wins by a Marlins pitcher in a season. Pavano won 18 games in 2004. Willis would become the first Marlins pitcher to win 20 games in a season. He went 6 innings against the Nationals and allowed 4 hits and 1 earned runs.
On August 17, Willis held the Padres scoreless by shutting the Padres out in 9 innings. "He's as good as anybody," San Diego manager Bruce Bochy
Bruce Bochy
Bruce Douglas Bochy is the manager of the San Francisco Giants. Prior to joining the Giants, Bochy had been the manager of the San Diego Padres for twelve seasons. Bochy is the only former Padres player to serve as the team's manager. He has participated in all five postseason appearances in...
said. "We aren't the first team he has shut out this year." The win put Florida one and a half game behind Houston and Philadelphia in the wild card
Wild card
Wild card may refer to:* Wild card , a playing card that substitutes for any other card in card games* Wild card , a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play...
standings.
On September 7 against the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
, Willis pitched 6 innings and allowed 1 earned run, which gave him his 20th win of the season. He also became the first African American pitcher to win 20 games in a season since Dave Stewart
Dave Stewart
Dave Stewart may refer to:* Dave Stewart , former pitcher in Major League Baseball and 1989 World Series MVP* David A. Stewart , English musician and record producer best known for his work with Eurythmics...
did it in 1990.
On September 22, Willis became the first pitcher to bat seventh or higher since Montreal's Steve Renko
Steve Renko
Steve Renko, Jr. is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Montreal Expos , Chicago Cubs , Chicago White Sox , Oakland Athletics , Boston Red Sox , California Angels and Kansas City Royals .He helped the Angels win the 1982 American League Western...
batted seventh on August 26, 1973. Willis went one for four against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
. He would go on to post a 22-10 record with a 2.63 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and 1.13 WHIP. His 22 wins was the most in baseball. He also pitched 7 complete games and 5 shutouts, also the most in baseball. Willis is still the only pitcher in Marlins' history to win 20 games in a season. The Marlins went 83-79 and finished 7 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves.
Willis would go on to finish 2nd in the N.L Cy Young voting behind Chris Carpenter
Chris Carpenter
Christopher John Carpenter is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2003, and is currently signed with the team until the 2011 season, with a club option for 2012.Carpenter was 22 years old and a highly-regarded prospect when he broke into the...
of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. Willis was also the winner of the Warren Spahn Award, given to the best left-handed pitcher in each league.
2006 season
In the 2006 season, Willis' numbers were down from his great 2005 season. Willis started the season by going 1-6 with a 4.93 earned run average and didn't get his second victory of the season until he went 7 innings and allowed 2 earned runs against the Rockies on June 2. But he still posted decent numbers and went 12-12 with a 3.87 earned run average. His 12 wins were tied for the most on the Marlins. Willis also led the Marlins in complete games, innings pitchedInnings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
, base on balls
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
, and hit by pitch
Hit by pitch
In baseball, hit by pitch , or hit batsman , is a batter or his equipment being hit in some part of his body by a pitch from the pitcher.-Official rule:...
.
On July 7, Willis became the first pitcher to hit a grand slam since Robert Person
Robert Person
Robert Alan Person is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played 9 seasons in Major League Baseball: two for the New York Mets, two and a half for the Toronto Blue Jays, three and a half for the Philadelphia Phillies, and only 7 games pitched for the Boston Red Sox in the last year of his...
did it in 2002. On September 20, 2006 he hit 2 home runs off of Oliver Perez
Oliver Pérez
Óliver Pérez Martínez is a left-handed pitcher currently in the Washington Nationals organization.-San Diego Padres:...
and Roberto Hernandez.
On June 20, 2006, Willis earned his 50th career win in a start against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
On September 20, 2006, Willis pitched 8⅓ innings with four strikeouts and also became the first pitcher in Marlins history with a multiple-home run game.
2007 season
On January 15, 2007, Willis signed a one-year contract with the Marlins for $6.45 million, avoiding salary arbitrationArbitration
Arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution , is a legal technique for the resolution of disputes outside the courts, where the parties to a dispute refer it to one or more persons , by whose decision they agree to be bound...
.
In the 2007 Season, Willis went 10-15 with a 5.17 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and a 1.60 WHIP
WHIP
WHIP may refer to* Walks plus hits per inning pitched, a baseball statistic* WHIP , a radio station in Mooresville, North Carolina, United States* WHIP , a student-run internet radio stream from Temple University...
. Up to that point, it was his worst season of his career. At one point, Willis went 13 straight starts without getting a victory. Willis led the National League in earned runs allowed with 118. Despite his struggles on the mound, Willis would have his best hitting season in the Major League. He hit .286 with 2 home runs and 7 runs batted in. During his career with the Marlins, Dontrelle went 68-54 with a 3.78 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
and a 1.36 WHIP
WHIP
WHIP may refer to* Walks plus hits per inning pitched, a baseball statistic* WHIP , a radio station in Mooresville, North Carolina, United States* WHIP , a student-run internet radio stream from Temple University...
. He won at least 10 games during 5 years with the Marlins from 2003-2007.
Detroit Tigers
On December 5, 2007, the Marlins traded Willis along with fellow All-Star Miguel CabreraMiguel Cabrera
José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....
to the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
for Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller (baseball)
Andrew Mark Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-College:...
, Cameron Maybin
Cameron Maybin
Cameron Keith Maybin is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres. He was the tenth pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft by The Detroit Tigers. He was consistently ranked as the Tigers top minor league prospect while in the organization.-High school:Maybin played high school...
, Mike Rabelo
Mike Rabelo
Michael Gregory Rabelo is a former Major League Baseball catcher.Rabelo grew up in the city of New Port Richey, Florida, and attended Ridgewood High School...
, Eulogio de la Cruz, Dallas Trahern
Dallas Trahern
Dallas Neal Trahern is a professional baseball pitcher.Trahern was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 34th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft...
and Burke Badenhop
Burke Badenhop
Burke Heinrich Badenhop is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins. Burke played college baseball at Bowling Green State University. He played High School Baseball at Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio...
. Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski
Dave Dombrowski
David Dombrowski is the current president, CEO, and general manager of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball.-Chicago White Sox:...
then signed Willis to a 3-year, $29 million contract extension two weeks later.
In his debut with the Tigers, Willis went 5 innings, gave up 1 hit, and 3 earned runs against the White Sox.
In a start against the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, Willis injured his left knee and departed the game before even recording an out. Placed on the disabled list the next day, Willis had walked nine batters while striking out none in his first two outings. Command of his pitches became a trouble spot, and later in the season, Tiger manager Jim Leyland
Jim Leyland
James Richard "Jim" Leyland is a Major League Baseball manager, currently with the Detroit Tigers.He led the Florida Marlins to a World Series championship in 1997, and previously won three straight division titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates...
pitched him in relief for the first time, with little success. He was placed back into the rotation on June 3, 2008 to start in a loss against the Oakland Athletics.
On June 10, 2008, Willis was sent down to Single-A Lakeland, a day after a start in which he gave up eight earned runs and five base on balls in 1⅓ innings pitched against the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
. Though Willis had enough service time in the major leagues to require his consent prior to the send-down, he agreed, saying he needed to work on his control.
Willis was called back to the Tigers in time for the roster expansion on September 1, 2008. He made three starts, recording a loss and two no-decisions. Willis finished with a 0-2 record and a 9.17 ERA. In 24 innings pitched, Willis struggled with his control and walked 35 batters.
Willis was placed on the 15-day disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
in March 2009 for an anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder is a blanket term covering several different forms of abnormal and pathological fear and anxiety. Conditions now considered anxiety disorders only came under the aegis of psychiatry at the end of the 19th century. Gelder, Mayou & Geddes explains that anxiety disorders are...
after a blood test
Blood test
A blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or via fingerprick....
showed something of concern; he began a treatment regimen aimed at addressing the condition. Willis was taken off the disabled list and placed on the active roster May 13, 2009, when he made his first start of the 2009 season. Willis made seven starts after returning, with poor results, before being returned to the disabled list on June 19 with the same anxiety issue.In Willis' last start of the season, he was tagged with 6 earned runs allowed and 8 base on balls. Willis finished the season with a 1-4 record and a 7.49 ERA.
In Spring Training 2010, Willis made the Tigers starting rotation.
On April 8, 2010, Willis started against the Kansas City Royals, giving the Tigers six innings and recording a no-decision. He gave up two earned runs, walking two and striking out four.
On May 30, 2010, Willis was designated for assignment by the Tigers.
During his career with the Tigers, Willis played in 24 games(22 starts). His record was 2-8 and had an ERA of 6.86 in 101 innings pitched.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On June 1, 2010, Willis was traded to the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
for starting pitcher Billy Buckner
Billy Buckner
William Jennings "Billy" Buckner is a Major League Baseball pitcher. Despite their similar names, Buckner is not related to retired Major League Baseball player Bill Buckner.-Kansas City Royals:...
.
He changed back to his former uniform number 35, which he wore for the Marlins. In his Diamondback debut, he pitched six scoreless innings with four walks and three strikeouts. He got his first win as a member of the Diamondbacks.
Willis pitched four innings, giving up two runs and three hits, walking six batters on June 10. During the second inning, he cracked a finger nail and after the fourth inning, he was removed from the game due to the pain on the fingernail.
On July 4, 2010 Willis was designated for assignment and subsequently released.
In 6 games(5 starts) with the Diamondbacks, Willis went 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA in 24⅓ innings pitched as a member of the Diamondbacks.
San Francisco Giants
On July 15, 2010, Willis was signed to a minor league contract by San Francisco—and was pitching for the Fresno GrizzliesFresno Grizzlies
The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team based in Fresno, California. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League , is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club. The Grizzlies play in Chukchansi Park , located in downtown Fresno and built in 2002...
of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
.
On November 6, 2010, Willis was granted free agency.
Cincinnati Reds
Willis signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for the 2011 season. He was invited to spring training, for a chance at starter or bullpen.
Willis was reassigned to the Louisville Bats
Louisville Bats
The Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League...
as of March 27, 2011. Willis was called up on July 10 and made his Reds debut against Milwaukee at Miller Park. Willis pitched six innings, giving up two runs while striking out four and walking four. He also contributed on offense, going 1 for 2 with a double. Willis made his second start for Cincinnati on July 18th, 2011, at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates. On August 3rd, Willis started, going six innings and hitting a solo home run but was charged with a no decision.
On August 9, Willis went 8 innings, struck out 10 batters, and allowed 3 earned runs against the Rockies but was charged with the loss. His 10 strikeouts was the most he had got in a start since he struck out 11 against the Diamondbacks on August 14, 2007. His 8 innings pitched was the most innings he pitched since his last start with the Florida Marlins, where he pitched 8 innings against the Cubs on September 25, 2007.
On August 14, Willis went 2.2 innings and allowed 4 earned runs against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. Before his start, Willis said that his forearm was still a little tight after he warmed up in the bullpen before the start.
Accomplishments
- On September 27, 2006, named the Florida Marlins Hometown HeroDHL Hometown HeroesOn September 27, 2006, Major League Baseball announced a list of players, one from each team, voted by MLB fans. Fans were asked to vote for the most outstanding player in the history of each MLB franchise, based on on-field performance, leadership quality and character value.The candidates for...
- National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Rookie of the YearMLB Rookie of the Year AwardIn Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
, 2003 - National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
All-StarMajor League Baseball All-Star GameThe Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
, 2003 and 2005 - Runner-Up, National LeagueNational LeagueThe National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
Cy Young AwardCy Young AwardThe Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
2005 (Won by Chris CarpenterChris CarpenterChristopher John Carpenter is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2003, and is currently signed with the team until the 2011 season, with a club option for 2012.Carpenter was 22 years old and a highly-regarded prospect when he broke into the...
) - On September 3, 2005, beat the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
to earn his 19th win of the season. With that win, Willis passed Carl PavanoCarl PavanoCarl Anthony Pavano is an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently with the Minnesota Twins.-Early career:...
's franchise record for wins in a season, established the previous year, when Pavano won 18 games. - On September 8, 2005, became the first Marlin ever to win 20 games in a season with a 12–1 victory over the Washington NationalsWashington NationalsThe Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
. He became just the 12th African AmericanAfrican AmericanAfrican Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
pitcher to win 20 games in a season, joining the "Black AcesBlack AcesThe Black Aces is a book written by former Major League pitcher James "Mudcat" Grant about the only African American pitchers who have won at least 20 Major League Baseball games in a single season. Some black pitchers from Latin America, notably Luis Tiant, have expressed disappointment that they...
" club. He was also the first African American pitcher to win 20 games since Dave StewartDave Stewart (baseball player)David Keith Stewart is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball during the late 1980s and early 1990s. A 20-game winner for 4 consecutive years, he was known for his post-season performance and for staring down batters when pitching to them...
won 22 in 1990. - In 2005, became the third player in modern baseball history to win 20 games and collect 20 hits in the same season.
- On September 22, 2005, batted seventh in the Marlins' lineup. No other pitcher had batted seventh since the Montreal ExposMontreal ExposThe Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
' Steve Renko did against the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
on August 26, 1973. - Warren Spahn AwardWarren Spahn AwardThe Warren Spahn Award is presented each season by the Oklahoma Sports Museum to the best left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball . The award is named after Warren Spahn, who holds the MLB record in wins for a left-handed pitcher with 363....
, 2005 (presented to the best left-handed starting pitcher in the league) - Named a starter for Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic2006 World Baseball Classic---------Pool B:-------------Pool C:-------------Pool D:-------------Pool 1:-----------------Pool 2:-------------Finals:-Semifinals:-Final:-Final standings:...
. However, both of Willis' starts in the WBC were considered subpar as the USA exited the tournament in the 2nd-group stage. - First pitcher to hit a grand slamGrand slam (baseball)In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
since Robert PersonRobert PersonRobert Alan Person is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played 9 seasons in Major League Baseball: two for the New York Mets, two and a half for the Toronto Blue Jays, three and a half for the Philadelphia Phillies, and only 7 games pitched for the Boston Red Sox in the last year of his...
in 2002 when he hit one off Jose LimaJosé LimaJosé Desiderio Rodriguez Lima was a Dominican right-handed pitcher who spent thirteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers , Houston Astros , Kansas City Royals , Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets...
of the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
on July 7, 2006. - Hit two home runs in one game against the Mets later on September 20, 2006. Oliver PerezOliver PérezÓliver Pérez Martínez is a left-handed pitcher currently in the Washington Nationals organization.-San Diego Padres:...
and Roberto Hernandez were the pitchers taken deep by Willis.