Dontrelle Willis (born January 12, 1982 in Oakland, California), popularly known as "D-Train," is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Florida Marlins who made his debut in 2003 and went on to win the 2003 World Series. He is known for his very exaggerated, high leg kick in his pitch delivery, a trait which has drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Juan Marichal. Willis attended Encinal High School in Alameda, California, where he played baseball for four years. He bats and throws left handed, and he is considered one of the best hitting pitchers in the majors. He holds Alameda Little League's homerun record, hitting fifteen at the age of twelve. On March 27, 2002, the Chicago Cubs traded Willis (then a minor leaguer) and 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 2003, Willis was named the National League Rookie of the Year. He went 14-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 27 starts. 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 to advance to the NLCS.
In 2005, Willis led the Major Leagues with 22 wins while posting a 3.24 ERA.
A borderline power pitcher, Willis can hit 95mph with his fastball, but his usual range is 91-93mph. Willis also throws a sweeping slider and a changeup. All of Willis' pitches benefit from the deception inherent in his high-kicking delivery.
