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FLORIDA MARLINS
AGE: 23
POSITION: Pitcher
BIRTHPLACE: Oakland, CA
RESIDES: Alameda, CA
SCHOOL: Encinal, CA High School
PERSONAL: Single
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Within
a week of Dontrelle Willis’ call-up to the big leagues
in 2003, he had already participated in three community
events: a manager’s luncheon honoring Jack McKeon,
a Cafecito con los Marlins event and Snapshot Sunday where
fans have an opportunity to take a picture with a Marlins
player. During Marlins @ School Week in 2004, he visited
Gulfstream Elementary in Homestead, Florida, encouraging
the kids to work hard in school. His visit was filmed
as part of the StrikeZone Kids show. Inspired by a story
about a group of kids who get together to play sandlot
baseball, Dontrelle donated new equipment and uniforms
for 42 kids from the Riverdale Park Community in Little
Havana. Last Thanksgiving, he participated in a turkey
distribution to 100 families in Liberty City. This year,
he initiated the Dontrelle Willis Mini-Marlins Inner City
Tee-Ball League at Jose Marti Park in Miami. He provided
uniforms and paid for umpires for the league. In addition,
he hosted all of the leagues’ players for a game
against the Mets. Dontrelle has a donor advised fund within
the Florida Marlins Community Foundation to support his
Mini-Marlins Tee-Ball League and Sandlot teams, as well
as other youth baseball programs.
In
2004, Dontrelle Willis made a career-high and team-best
32 starts for the Marlins. He posted the 23rd double digit
win season in team history. In 2000, he was named the
California High School Player of the Year, after going
10-1 with a 0.07 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 70 innings.
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