From World Series to world traveler

By Dontrelle Willis / Special to MLB.com Ticket information?

 

Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis became an instant sensation with his stellar 2003 season, becoming an All-Star and winning NL Rookie of the Year honors. The 22-year-old periodically shares his thoughts and insights as a correspondent for MLB.com.

 

MEXICO CITY -- Before I became a Major League player, I didn't do a lot of traveling. Last year was the first time I was in New York City.

 

Now we are playing in Mexico City -- which, amazingly, is bigger than New York.

 

It's all cool, and it's a great experience. You never truly realize the magnitude you have in this game until you go into a foreign land and you are recognized.

 

Friday was a busy day for us because we played a game in Jupiter, Fla., and then we were on a three-hour plane ride to Mexico City. We got into the hotel about 11 p.m., and some people were there asking for my autograph. I was stunned that these people knew who I was. That was kind of strange, because we've never been to Mexico before.

 

This is all very positive. This is big, because so many people are excited to see us play. And this is good for baseball, showing the game to other parts of the world.

 

You try to appreciate it all. You never know when you are going to have a chance to come back. You try to soak it in and just enjoy it. You get to do something you love in a foreign country. It doesn't get any better than that.

 

Because we got in late on Friday, we didn't have a chance to see much of the city yet. I got to walk around a little bit, pretty close to the hotel.

 

I was looking for a place to eat, and at 11 p.m. the best I could do were French fries and burritos. That's about it.

 

I don't know much about Mexico or the fans here, but you could see in batting practice on Saturday how passionate they are down here. They treated us great in warm-ups. They are very happy to have us.

 

I get a chance to pitch here on Sunday, and it will be different and difficult throwing in an altitude of more than 7,000 feet. This place is higher than Coors Field in Denver.

 

The ball is going to be flying out of here because it's so high above sea level. I'm excited for the games to start.

 

Keep in mind, this is still Spring Training. We're trying to get our work in. You don't worry so much about your statistics. You work on different things. In my case, I've been working on getting better command of my offspeed pitches. And I'm always looking to command my fastball.

 

In a place like this, you don't try to get in over your head. You don't try to overdo it.

 

The Astros have a great hitting club, and the game should be fun.

 

For me, I'm just trying to get my work in. I'm trying to execute my pitches. You really just have to go out there and have fun.

 

I know we are pretty high up here, but you try to act like you're pitching at Pro Player Stadium. The main thing is enjoying being out there.

 

These next two days should be a lot of fun.

 

Dontrelle Willis' column appears as told to MLB.com reporter Joe Frisaro. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

 

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