Dontrelle Willis to Make Bluefish Debut Friday
Published on July 17, 2014 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, Conn. - July 17, 2014) - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced that pitcher Dontrelle Willis will make his Bluefish debut at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard on Friday, July 18 as he will take the mound in a start against the Somerset Patriots. Game time for Friday, July 18 is 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6:05 p.m.
Earlier this year, the former Major Leaguer pitched in two games for the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies, a minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Last season, Willis pitched for both the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League and the Los Angeles Angels Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees and went a combined 7-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 19 games (18 starts).
The 32-year-old has played nine seasons in The Show, pitching for the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds from 2003-2011. The southpaw won the 2003 World Series with the Marlins, was NL Rookie of the Year and an All Star that season. In 2005 he had an MLB high of 22 wins, seven complete games and five shutouts finishing second to Chris Carpenter in NL CY Young voting and is still the only player in Marlins history to win 20 games or more in a season. During the 2005 season he finished with a 22-10 record with a 2.63 ERA with 170 strikeouts in 236.1 innings pitched. In 205 Major League games (202 starts); the lefty has a 72-69 record with 15 complete games, eight shutouts, a 4.17 ERA and 896 strikeouts in 1221.2 innings.
He began his professional career in 2000 with the Rookie level AZL Cubs after he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the 2000 MLB Amateur Draft. In 119 Minor League outings (96 starts), Willis has a 44-23 record with a 2.98 ERA, six complete games, three shutouts and 462 strikeouts in 607.2 innings.
Friday is Shirt Off Your Back Night, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Anyone who brings in and donates an article of clothing will be entered to win one of the special Big Brothers Big Sisters jerseys the Bluefish will be wearing during the game. It's also Gathering of the Vibes Kickoff Night, the Kick Off to the Gathering of the Vibes Night will feature a pregame concert featuring Jen Durkin & The Business, which will take place at 6:05 p.m. on the concourse by the Gear Shop down the third base line. Durkin will also be singing the National Anthem prior to the game and Ken Hays, Owner of The Gathering of the Vibes will throw out the first pitch. There will also be many great promotions to happen during the night, including raffling off a pair of Weekend Camping Passes to the Vibes.
Bluefish fans can use the special code "VIBES" when ordering tickets for Gathering of the Vibes Kick Off Game to receive $11 Box Seat tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets for The Gathering of the Vibes Kick Off Night, give the Bluefish ticket office a call at (203) 210-BLUE or visit www.bridgeportbluefish.com.
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com.
Atlantic League Stories from July 17, 2014
- Dontrelle Willis to Make Bluefish Debut Friday - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Riversharks, Battleship New Jersey to Host Homerun Derby - Camden Riversharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
