What happened? Dontrelle Willis started his baseball career on top; now, he's a long-shot to make Brewers roster

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Dontrelle Willis started his Major League career like he was heading for Cooperstown, New York, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Now, he's a long-shot to make the Brewers roster. Either way, he's making a lasting impression.

"I'm kinda the glass is half full guy," Willis said.

The glass was filled to the top when Willis burst onto the scene with the Florida Marlins in 2003 -- winning National League Rookie of the Year honors and helping them capture a World Series championship.

Nicknamed "D-Train" because of his unorthodox pitching motion and energetic persona, Willis finished second in the 2004 National League Cy Young award balloting after authoring 22 victories.

Then, mysteriously, the train derailed.

Since 2007, he's pitched in seven organizations and he's made several stops in independent ball. It's been four years since Willis pitched on a Major League mound.

The Brewers signed the 33-year-old to a Minor League contract in January.

So why did his career go south?

"Just trying too hard. Just trying too hard and wanting it too bad, but it's okay. I mean, everybody had a path. I accepted my journey and I'm able to help others. I'll be in baseball for the rest of my life and I understand that. I mean, my journey is no different than anybody else's, but I'm proud of mine. I wouldn't change it for anything because I'm the man I am today. I mean, it's messed up, but I'm proud of who I am today," Willis said.

While his teammates took the field in Spring Training last week, Willis was nowhere to be found. He slept the wrong way on his neck, and he hasn't been able to pitch. Time isn't on his side.

"I'm okay. It's me. Anybody that really knows me -- if there's a straight path, I go around it," Willis said.

Willis isn't making one final comeback attempt for himself. At this stage, it's about his four daughters, who never left his side.

"They got me. That's why I'm working. It's all a blessing. Through the adversity, they pulled me out. I owe them this opportunity. It was about them this time. That's what it's about -- family and friends and the memories you make," Willis said.

Like Frank Sinatra, Willis has had a few regrets, but they're too few to mention.

"I play baseball for a living -- you know what I mean? There's really no lows. I've never had a 9 to 5, and I hopefully never will. I come from a blue collar background -- very humble, very blessed, and there's nothing wrong with being the worst baseball player in the world. I really, truly believe that my stuff can translate into getting people out and if it doesn't, I'll be in the stands watching," Willis said.

Willis loves the game. He might stay in it someday. But if you ask him about his future, you find he's just kind of a day-to-day guy.

"I'm blessed. I'm humble. I'm thankful for the organization giving me a chance. I'm going to have fun. I'm going to work as hard as I can. I'm happy today. When tomorrow comes, I'll deal with that," Willis said.

No matter what, Dontrelle Willis is making a lasting impression on everybody in the Brewers clubhouse.

"You don't want to have any favoritism in what we do, but when you like guys that much and you see what they do, you pull for them," Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke said.

Willis calls Miller Park and the city of Milwaukee "gems." He feels the Brewers training camp is the best he's ever been in.