JUPITER, Fla. -- Add state recognition to the growing list of Dontrelle Willis' achievements.

 

A two-time All-Star, and a starting pitcher for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Willis was honored by the state of Florida on Thursday afternoon.

 

Outside the Marlins' clubhouse at Roger Dean Stadium, Willis was presented as this week's winner of Florida's "Points of Light Award."

 

Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, on behalf of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, delivered the award to Willis.

 

"This is one of the highest awards I'm going to receive," Willis said. "I'm going to do what I can to make [Florida] proud."

 

During Black History Month, the Points of Light Awards recognize outstanding African-Americans in Florida, Jennings said.

 

"The story of Dontrelle and what he's done for sandlot baseball, it's all about giving back to the community," she said. "He gives back, not just monetarily, giving bats and equipment and uniforms, but he goes out and does volunteer coaching. What greater gift can somebody give than of their time in their own expertise."

 

The Points of Light Award honors those who make Florida a better place to live. Through the years, Willis has worked extensively with children, helping fund and support sandlot baseball leagues in Little Havana.

 

Marlins manager Joe Girardi says of the 24-year-old left-hander: "Dontrelle wakes up saying, 'How can I make the world a better place?' He's somebody everyone wants, and we have him."

 

Pokey's golden flashback: Veteran Pokey Reese made his first appearance in a Marlins uniform Thursday, but the versatile infielder is returning to his old ways in terms of the glove he is wearing.

 

Reese is again using the Wilson model glove he sported during the 2000 season, when he won a Gold Glove Award at second base. Then with the Reds, Reese played for former Marlins manager Jack McKeon.

 

"I'm a big fan of his," Reese said of McKeon. "When you walked through the door, you'd smell those cigars. You knew Jack was around. Jack didn't really say much. He let the coaches coach and he just filled out the lineup. He took it from there, always walking around with the cigar. It was a good day when Jack McKeon was around."

 

Returning from the shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the 2005 season, Reese is in the mix for either the starting position at second base or shortstop.

 

"I'm not trying to prove anything to anybody," Reese said. "I'm just going to go out there and working hard. I don't think I have anything to prove. I'm going to just go out and play baseball. I've been doing it since I was 5 years old."

 

Shortstop sweepstakes: Thursday offered the first glimpses of rookies Hanley Ramirez and Robert Andino. Both are competing for the shortstop spot, with Reese being an option should they struggle.

 

"Watching our shortstops go to work was kind of fun to watch," Girardi said.

 

Miguel Cabrera, working at third base, warmed up by throwing with Ramirez. The two also were batting in the same group.

 

"I'm surprised today, because I saw [him] when he was taking ground balls and hitting. We were in the same group. I'm surprised. He has great power," said Cabrera, clearly impressed by the skills of his new teammate. "I'm very excited about him. I told him, 'Focus and play your game. Don't worry what's going to happen, play 100 percent. That's a big position -- a lot of ground balls go to shortstop. You've got to be ready to play.'"

 

Acquired in the offseason from Boston, Ramirez welcomes the chance to be an Opening Day starter.

 

"I'm happy to be a part of this," he said.

 

Ramirez says he has already picked up tips working with respected infield coach Perry Hill.

 

"I worked with him today," Ramirez said. "I learned a lot of stuff. He's got a good personality, too."

 

Spring signings: On Thursday, the Marlins signed 10 of their players in camp. Formally signing were pitchers Allen Baxter, Adam Bostick, Jose Garcia, Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson and Scott Olsen. Position players who singed were Ramirez, Eric Reed, Dan Uggla and Josh Willingham.

 

The league minimum salary for first-year players who make the roster is $327,000, an increase of $11,000 from last year.

 

Mitre opportunity: Sergio Mitre doesn't have a great deal of experience, but in terms of seniority, the right-hander has the third-highest total of big-league starts (18) on the staff.

 

Acquired from the Cubs as part of the Juan Pierre deal, Mitre is in contention for a rotation spot. He also could possibly be joining Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He has yet to hear if he is on the final roster.

 

Mitre is familiar with pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who joins the Marlins after being a Minor League coach with the Cubs.

 

"Krany is awesome," Mitre said. "He's an easy guy to talk to. He will help you out all the time. There is always something to work on, that's the bottom line. [There is always] something to improve on. I've had him the past two or three years, I've been comfortable with him ever since."

 

Mitre welcomes the competition in camp.

 

"That's the fun part," he said. "There is always someone behind you trying to do better and trying to win a spot, just like I'm trying to win a spot right now. This is hardball right now. You've got to go out there, show them what you've got."

 

Fish bites: Outfielder Chris Aguila celebrated his 27th birthday on Thursday. ... Reliever Kerry Ligtenberg, who had been held out of drills as physicians examined his elbow MRI, took part in drills for the first time on Thursday. ... Right-handed starter Josh Johnson, in the hunt for a rotation spot, has been impressive thus far, as has lefty reliever Taylor Tankersley, the club's first-round pick out of the University of Alabama in 2004.

 

Coming up: The Marlins resume full-squad workouts on Friday at 10 a.m. ET on the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium. The practices are free and open to the public. Friday will be the first day hitters face live pitching.

The TANK!!