Dontrelle Willis was voted as the Marlins Hometown Hero.
In the initial announcement of "DHL presents Major League Baseball's Hometown Heroes" on ESPN Tuesday night, Dontrelle Willis was named as the Marlins representative in the first group of 10 who most embody the game's legacy and the franchise's history.
Hall of Famers Babe Ruth (Yankees); Hank Aaron (Braves); Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles); Reggie Jackson (Athletics); Mike Schmidt (Phillies); Gary Carter (Nationals); and Wade Boggs (Devil Rays) were named in addition to Joe Carter (Blue Jays) and Frank Thomas (White Sox).
I must admit, I was somewhat surprised since he has only been in the Majors for three years. I really thought that Jeff Conine or Luis Castillo would be the Marlins representative.
But I guess, I shouldn't have been. The voting was open to all fans and not just Marlins fans.
Longevity aside: Dontrelle is one fine choice. He is most definitely an excellent representative for the organization.