Dontrelle Wayne Willis (born January 12, 1982), nicknamed "the D-Train",[1] is an American former professional baseball pitcher.

A left-hander, he played in Major League Baseball for the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cincinnati Reds.

Willis was notable for his success during his first few years in the major leagues and for his unconventional pitching style, which included a high leg kick and exaggerated twisting away from the batter.

[citation needed] Willis attended Encinal High School in Alameda,[5] where he played baseball for four years.

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.

[citation needed] On May 9, 2003, Willis made his major league debut for the Florida Marlins against the Colorado Rockies.

[9] On May 14, in a start against the Padres, Willis went five innings, allowed five hits, three earned runs, and four walks, and received his first Major League win.

[13] He made the National League All-Star team as injury replacement for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kevin Brown.

His seven consecutive hits in the regular season was one short of the club record held by Gary Sheffield and Preston Wilson.

[18] In his next start against the Phillies, Willis struck out in his first at bat, snapping his streak of 10 consecutive hits dating back to previous year's postseason.

[22] On June 8, Willis became the major league's first 10-game winner when he pitched the Marlins to a 5–4 victory over the Seattle Mariners, allowing four runs.

After the All-Star break, Willis went 9–6 and posted a 2.91 ERA and a 1.13 walks plus hits per innings pitched the rest of the season.

[26] He struggled in each of his first two starts after the break, failing to make it past the sixth inning in games against the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants.

[30] On September 7 against the Washington Nationals, Willis pitched six innings and allowed one earned run, which gave him his 20th win of the season.

[39] On December 5, 2007, the Marlins traded Willis along with fellow All-Star Miguel Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, Mike Rabelo, Eulogio de la Cruz, Dallas Trahern, and Burke Badenhop.

[citation needed] In his debut with the Tigers, Willis pitched five innings, gave up one hit, and three earned runs against the Chicago White Sox.

[42] On June 10, 2008, Willis was demoted to the Single-A Lakeland Tigers, a day after a start in which he gave up eight earned runs and five walks in 1+1⁄3 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.

[citation needed] 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.

[citation needed] On April 8, 2010, Willis started against the Kansas City Royals, giving the Tigers six innings and recording a no-decision.

On August 9, Willis pitched eight innings, struck out 10 batters, and allowed three earned runs against the Rockies but was charged with the loss.

[citation needed] On August 14, Willis pitched 2+2⁄3 innings and allowed four earned runs against the San Diego Padres.

[citation needed] On December 15, 2011, Willis agreed to a one-year deal worth $1 million with the Philadelphia Phillies, and was expected to pitch out of the bullpen.

[57] A left forearm strain suffered on April 12 led to a dispute with the organization which wanted him to be a relief pitcher.

His efforts earned him an Atlantic League All-Star selection, and he was chosen as the starting pitcher for the Liberty Division, tossing a perfect inning.

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

[65] Willis signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants on January 10, 2014, and was later released on April 16, 2014.

[66][67] On July 5, 2014, the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League, reported they had agreed to verbal contract terms with Willis.

[79] In December 2006, Willis was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he double parked his Bentley in Miami Beach in order to urinate in the street.

[78] In April 2008, Willis pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of reckless driving and was ordered to pay $761 in fines and fees, perform 50 hours of community service and serve six months of probation.