Dontrelle Willis Interview

Let's hope the D-Train comes to Shea...

Trades and trade winds can't derail D-Train
By Jon Chattman, for thecheappop.com July 2006

Photo/Rich Tarantino

Florida Marlins ace Dontrelle "D-Train" Willis has only been in the game for 3 1/2 years, but the lefthander seems like a seasoned veteran. Whether it's on the mound or addressing trade rumors, the 24 year old always seems to keep his cool, and this season, has become a leader in a near all-rookie clubhouse.
On the field, the Oakland native's put up a 6-7 record with a 3.80 ERA, the latter of which is probably plummeting as we speak. At a recent stint at Shea against the New York Mets, the former Rookie of the Year and master of the high leg kick, and explained how he stays grounded, and how his team has already exceeded expectations.
JC: You're just 24 but you seem to be the veteran of the ball club. Is that odd?
DW: It's not that type of locker room. We feed off each other. They come to me when they need advice about more things off the field than on the field. I'm kind of a guy [who] leads by example. I go out there and I leave my heart and soul on the field so there's no excuses no regrets.
JC: With all the wheeling and dealing in the off-season, the Marlins were instantly dismissed but you guys have been playing really well. How do you feel about the cynics?
DW: It's baseball. You don't have to be the strongest or the fastest, you just have to believe in your system to be successful. Regardless, when we were struggling, Skip [Joe Girardi, the Marlins' manager] always believed in us to go out there and work every day and try to better ourselves regardless of what happened the night before. That's the New York way. He takes a lot of pride in being a professional, and he's teaching all of us to be professional. I think a lot of times people forget that I'm 24.This is my fourth year so I'm learning out there as well.
JC: You helped the Marlins defeat the Yankees in the 2003 World Series. Do you ever rib Girardi? He was on the Bronx Bombers that year...
DW: [Laughs] Nah, I don't mess with "The Law." I call him "The Law." I don't mess with the man who makes the lineup card. He liked the way I showed up [in the World Series] and wasn't overwhelmed with everything that was going on: just going out there and playing baseball and he respected that.
JC: Trade rumors, as you know, have been swirling for months yet you keep your composure, which is the "New York"mentality. Can you explain your work ethic?
DW: I have that mentality because it is what it is. I know I prepare myself the best way I can so when I'm on that field if I give up 10 runs it's not because I wasn't prepared, it was just a better team. They had me today. I have a lot of respect for my craft and my teammates and the game of baseball. This is hard. This game is hard. It's hard to win one baseball game at this level. You have to respect that.
JC: Have you always had that approach to the game?
DW: I'm pretty much nonchalant about [everything]. A lot of times my mom got mad at me because I was too nonchalant about things. I'm nonchalant but at the same time, when I go out there, I take pride in what I do. It's not something where I just don't care. It is what it is. Derek Jeter has that same mentality. He works hard but in the heat of battle, he's going out there trying to do his best. If it doesn't happen, he has a lot of respect for the game and for his teammates to say "hey, it is what it is."
JC: Moving on, have their been any surprises in your career this year or any year for that matter?
DW: That's a great question. Maybe being able to win a World Series. A lot of people have great careers and never get to go to the postseason. Maybe being able to go to a postseason and learning that regardless if [you win or lose], [it's] an experience that will better you. To be able to win and be successful at the highest level, sky's the limit.
JC: Having said that, it must've been frustrating to win it all and then see almost the entire team traded away...
DW: I'm not a big front office guy. I got to be real close with the guys that left. They understand, but they told me not to let that dictate how you prepare yourself for the game and what's going to happen.
JC: Where do you see the Marlins heading in the future whether you're a part of it or not?
DW: It's a good organization. You see the things that's happened in the course of their existence. They ripped the team down, they put new guys up, and [were] still able to be competitive these past years since I've been on the team. That's a beautiful thing.
JC: Last question, and it's a big one. Who in the history of baseball has had the best mustache?
DW: [Laughs] Rollie Fingers. He played in Oakland. I like anybody that came across the Bay.