Dontrelle Willis's pitching success secret? Have fun.

With that high leg kick, pitcher Dontrelle Willis, shown here, of the Florida Marlins not only is one of the most enjoyable players in the majors to watch, he may just have the best attitude too.

Despite playing on one of the worst teams in baseball, Willis brings a sunny outlook to the game. For proof, check out this recent quote, made after the Marlins sank to 1-4.

"I'm not going to let things around me dictate how I feel, Willis said. "I love the game and love the way we're playing baseball, and that's all you can ask."

Willis had the same attitude when he and I were teammates for the Boise (Idaho) Hawks in 2001. The Hawks were a Chicago Cubs minor league affiliate and Willis was a 2000 Cubs draft pick.