Got Tickets?: The D-Train Has Finally Arrived In Motown!

Now that is how you shut up the critics!

In his second outing of the season, and just the 10th of his Detroit Tigers tenure, Dontrelle Willis notched his first victory of the season. Additionally, it was his first victory while playing for Detroit.

Willis was tremendous on Tuesday night, pitching one-hit ball for over six innings, including retiring 17 straight Texas Rangers en route to the win.

Following the trade that brought Willis and Miguel Cabrera to Detroit, Dontrelle had a disastrous year that seemed to be a microcosm for a disappointing Tigers season in 2008. 

Heading into this season, expectations were beyond lowered for the left-hander. He was not guaranteed a spot in the rotation, and many believed that he was a long shot to even make the team.

To make matters worse, Willis was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and put on the disabled list to start the season. While many fans and national columnists alike questioned the sincerity of the ailment, there was no questioning that Detroit's investment in Willis seemed to be a poor one.

Sadly, this marked a low point in a once promising career. 

Willis burst onto the scene in 2003, winning games and fans alike with his unconventional pitch delivery and contagiously charismatic personality. Willis won the National League Rookie of the Year award and set the baseball world on fire.

After a solid year in 2004, Willis won 22 games in 2005 and seemed to be a runaway train on the field.

But control issues haunted him over his remaining years with the Florida Marlins, leading the team to include him in their blockbuster trade with Detroit in 2008.

When Detroit added Willis, they hoped that they could help return him to his formerly award-winning level. 

Additionally, many hoped that a positive, strong-willed, and successful African American player could help return baseball to the forefront within the urban community of inner city Detroit. 

With black players currently comprising their lowest numbers in decades in baseball, there was a hope that Willis was just the type of role model that could help spur the popularity of the sport in the inner city.

With this victory, Willis reminds us that there is always a place in baseball for 26 year old left-handers that can throw in the mid-90's. 

Obviously, this was just a first step, but that is how all journeys begin. And, as the spring blooms in Detroit, optimism is not far behind. 

In the distance a whistle blows and the track rattles below your feet. A train is pulling into the station for a journey whose destination is not yet known. And while it approaches, scores of people are asking themselves if they plan on boarding.

I, for one, am hoping this is a long and exciting ride.