Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dontrelle Willis

Discover the career path of Dontrelle Willis, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dontrelle Willis, nicknamed "the D-Train", is a former MLB pitcher known for his unique, high-leg-kick style. A left-hander, he played for the Marlins, Tigers, Diamondbacks, and Reds. Willis achieved early success, winning the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year and a World Series title with the Marlins that same year. He was a notable figure in baseball during his time.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 26, 1973: Pitcher Batting Seventh

On September 22, 2005, Dontrelle Willis became the first pitcher to bat seventh or higher since Montreal's Steve Renko batted seventh on August 26, 1973. Willis went 1-for-4 against the New York Mets.

1990: 20 Wins in a Season

On September 7, 2005 against the Washington Nationals, Dontrelle Willis became the first African-American pitcher to win 20 games in a season since Dave Stewart did it in 1990, and became the first pitcher to win 20 games and have 20 hits as a batter since Mike Hampton did it in 1999 for the Astros.

1999: 20 Wins and 20 Hits

On September 7, 2005 against the Washington Nationals, Dontrelle Willis became the first pitcher to win 20 games and have 20 hits as a batter since Mike Hampton did it in 1999 for the Astros.

2000: Senior Year and Draft

In 2000, during his senior year at Encinal High School, Dontrelle Willis was named California Player of the Year with a 0.70 ERA and 111 strikeouts. He was then drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball draft after committing to play college baseball at Arizona State.

2001: Promotion to Boise Hawks

In 2001, Dontrelle Willis was promoted to the Boise Hawks of the Northwest League, finishing the season with eight wins and a 2.98 ERA. He was recognized by Northwest League managers as Boise's best player in a Baseball America poll.

March 27, 2002: Traded to the Florida Marlins

On March 27, 2002, Dontrelle Willis, along with Julián Tavárez, José Cueto, and Ryan Jorgensen, was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Florida Marlins for Matt Clement and Antonio Alfonseca.

2002: Grand Slam

On July 7, 2006, Dontrelle Willis hit a grand slam off of Mets pitcher José Lima, becoming the first pitcher to hit a grand slam since Robert Person did it in 2002. It was his fourth career home run.

May 9, 2003: Major League Debut

On May 9, 2003, Dontrelle Willis made his major league debut for the Florida Marlins against the Colorado Rockies, pitching six innings and allowing three earned runs in a no decision.

June 2003: Named National League Rookie of the Month

In June 2003, Dontrelle Willis was named the National League Rookie of the Month, becoming the first Marlins pitcher to receive this honor. He achieved a 5–0 record with a 1.04 ERA in five starts.

2003: Career with the Marlins

During his career with the Marlins from 2003 to 2007, Dontrelle Willis went 68–54 with a 3.78 ERA, winning at least 10 games each season.

2003: Named National League Rookie of the Year

Following the 2003 season, Dontrelle Willis was named the National League Rookie of the Year, having achieved a 14–6 record with a 3.30 ERA in 27 starts.

2003: Postseason Performance and World Series Win

In 2003, Dontrelle Willis contributed to the Marlins' postseason run, including pitching in the National League Division Series and Championship Series. Although he struggled with command at times, the Marlins ultimately defeated the Cubs and went on to win the World Series against the New York Yankees.

2003: Spring Training and Assignment to Carolina Mudcats

In 2003, Dontrelle Willis reported to Jupiter for spring training, with plans to start him with the Class-AA Carolina Mudcats to work on consistency and control. He went 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA for Carolina.

2003: Rookie of the Year and World Series Champion

In 2003, Dontrelle Willis was named the National League Rookie of the Year and won the World Series with the Florida Marlins.

2004: Early Season Success and Streak

In 2004, Dontrelle Willis started the year 3–0 without allowing an earned run in his first three starts. In his first two starts, Willis batted 6-for-6 with a home run. He had seven consecutive hits in the regular season, falling one short of the club record. He finished the 2004 season with a 10–11 record and a 4.02 ERA.

2004: Two Home Runs in a Game

On September 20, 2006, Dontrelle Willis hit two home runs, becoming the first pitcher since Randy Wolf in 2004 to hit two home runs in a game.

2005: Shutouts and Pitcher of the Month

In 2005, Dontrelle Willis began the season with two shutouts. He went 5–0 in April, allowing five earned runs in 35 innings, earning him the NL Pitcher of the Month award.

2005: Comparison to Great 2005 Season

In the 2006 season, Dontrelle Willis' numbers were down from his great 2005 season. Willis started the season by going 1–6 with a 4.93 ERA and did not get his second victory of the season until June 2. He still posted decent numbers for the year and went 12–12 with a 3.87 ERA.

September 20, 2006: Two Home Runs in a Game

On September 20, 2006, Dontrelle Willis hit two home runs, becoming the first pitcher since Randy Wolf in 2004 to hit two home runs in a game.

2006: Season Statistics

January 15, 2007: Signs One-Year Contract

On January 15, 2007, Dontrelle Willis signed a one-year contract with the Marlins for $6.45 million, avoiding salary arbitration.

August 14, 2007: Pitched against the San Diego Padres

On August 14, 2007, Dontrelle Willis pitched 2+2⁄3 innings and allowed four earned runs against the San Diego Padres. Willis mentioned that his forearm was still a little tight after warming up in the bullpen.

September 25, 2007: Last start with the Florida Marlins

On September 25, 2007, Dontrelle Willis last started with the Florida Marlins where he pitched eight innings against the Cubs.

December 5, 2007: Traded to the Detroit Tigers

On December 5, 2007, Dontrelle Willis, along with Miguel Cabrera, was traded by the Marlins to the Detroit Tigers for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, Mike Rabelo, Eulogio de la Cruz, Dallas Trahern, and Burke Badenhop. Willis signed a three-year contract extension two weeks later.

2007: Career with the Marlins

During his career with the Marlins from 2003 to 2007, Dontrelle Willis went 68–54 with a 3.78 ERA, winning at least 10 games each season.

2007: Worst Season of Career

In the 2007 season, Dontrelle Willis had the worst season of his career to that point, going 10–15 with a 5.17 ERA.

June 3, 2008: Return to Rotation

On June 3, 2008, Dontrelle Willis was placed back into the rotation to start in a loss against the Oakland Athletics.

June 10, 2008: Demotion to Single-A Lakeland Tigers

On June 10, 2008, Dontrelle Willis was demoted to the Single-A Lakeland Tigers after struggling with his command. He agreed to the send-down to work on his control.

September 1, 2008: Return to Tigers

On September 1, 2008, Dontrelle Willis was called back to the Detroit Tigers for the roster expansion. He made three starts, recording a loss and two no-decisions and finished with a 0-2 record and a 9.17 ERA.

May 13, 2009: Returns from Disabled List

On May 13, 2009, Dontrelle Willis was taken off the disabled list and placed on the active roster, when he made his first start of the 2009 season.

April 8, 2010: Start Against the Kansas City Royals

On April 8, 2010, Dontrelle Willis started against the Kansas City Royals, giving the Detroit Tigers six innings and recording a no-decision.

May 30, 2010: Designated for Assignment by Tigers

On May 30, 2010, Dontrelle Willis was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers.

June 1, 2010: Traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks

On June 1, 2010, Dontrelle Willis was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Billy Buckner. He changed back to his former uniform number 35, which he wore for the Marlins. He won his first game as a Diamondback.

July 4, 2010: Designated for Assignment and Released

On July 4, 2010, Dontrelle Willis was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

July 15, 2010: Signs Minor League Contract

On July 15, 2010, Dontrelle Willis signed a minor league contract with San Francisco and began pitching for the Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League.

November 6, 2010: Granted Free Agency

On November 6, 2010, Dontrelle Willis was granted free agency.

March 27, 2011: Reassigned to Louisville Bats

On March 27, 2011, Dontrelle Willis was reassigned to the Louisville Bats.

July 18, 2011: Second start for Cincinnati Reds

On July 18, 2011, Dontrelle Willis made his second start for Cincinnati against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

December 15, 2011: Agreed to deal with Philadelphia Phillies

On December 15, 2011, Dontrelle Willis agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, expecting to pitch out of the bullpen.

March 16, 2012: Released by Philadelphia Phillies

On March 16, 2012, Dontrelle Willis was released by the Philadelphia Phillies after just three Grapefruit League appearances.

January 3, 2013: Signed with the Chicago Cubs

On January 3, 2013, Dontrelle Willis signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.

March 30, 2013: Released by the Chicago Cubs

On March 30, 2013, the Chicago Cubs released Dontrelle Willis.

April 5, 2013: Signed with Long Island Ducks

On April 5, 2013, Dontrelle Willis signed a contract with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.

August 8, 2013: Signed with the Los Angeles Angels

On August 8, 2013, the Los Angeles Angels signed Dontrelle Willis to a minor-league contract and assigned him to their AAA affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees.

January 10, 2014: Signed with San Francisco Giants

On January 10, 2014, Dontrelle Willis signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants.

April 16, 2014: Released by the San Francisco Giants

On April 16, 2014, Dontrelle Willis was released by the San Francisco Giants.

July 5, 2014: Agreed to contract terms with Bridgeport Bluefish

On July 5, 2014, the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League reported they had agreed to verbal contract terms with Dontrelle Willis.

July 18, 2014: First start with the Bridgeport Bluefish

On July 18, 2014, Dontrelle Willis made his first start with the Bridgeport Bluefish.

January 21, 2015: Signed with Milwaukee Brewers

On January 21, 2015, Dontrelle Willis signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

May 2022: Joins Dodgers Broadcast Team

In May 2022, Dontrelle Willis joined the television broadcast team of the Los Angeles Dodgers and became a regular analyst for Fox Sports and AppleTV+.