Jim "The Rookie" Morris

Jim Morris' Key Accomplishments Include . . .
His Cinderella story serves as testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. Jim’s meteoric rise from 35 year-old high school teacher to flame-throwing major league pitcher in 3 months, made cinematic history with the release of “The Rookie” starring Dennis Quaid. This heartwarming and unforgettable Disney blockbuster about chasing your dreams and keeping your promises, won the ESPY for Sports Film of the Year. Sports Illustrated also voted it one of the five greatest baseball films ever made.

Originally drafted in the 1st round in 1984, Jim's dream was to become a major league baseball player, but his career was derailed by a series of debilitating arm injuries before he got out of the minors in 1988. Instead, Jim got married, raised a family and got his college degree before becoming a high school science teacher and baseball coach in West Texas.

Eleven years after retiring from minor league baseball, Jim was giving a speech to his high school team about the importance of dreams and hard work when his high school players challenged him to pursue his own dream of pitching in the major leagues. Jim made the following bet with his high school team: if they won the District Championship, he would tryout for the majors.

Jim's team fulfilled their end of the bargain, which committed him to a big league tryout. Inspired by his family and students, Jim immediately signed a professional baseball contract. His rise from obscurity became the feel-good story of 1999. After pitching for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000, Jim signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and retired from baseball in 2001.

More About Jim Morris. . .
A school teacher by trade, Jim is a loveable storyteller who captivates and inspires others to step up and change their lives. Jim is particularly good at weaving the needs of his customers into his presentation. He receives standing ovations wherever he goes. Jim has participated in such prestigious speaking events as The Million Dollar Round Table, numerous speaker showcases, and is the author of “The Rookie.”

Despite his enormous success as a speaker, he has remained genuine and developed a reputation among audiences as being a regular, approachable guy who hangs out with his audience. If you are looking for someone who will connect with your group, Jim Morris is your guy.

• Never Giving Up on a Dream
• Finding a Mentor and Becoming a Leader
• Taking Advantage of Second Chances
• Remembering Who You Are
• Keeping Your Promises
• Learning How to Laugh at Yourself

The 2006 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Annual Meeting is over, yet because of you, its greatness will not be forgotten...We greatly appreciate the time and effort you extended for your participation as a speaker. Thank you for your outstanding performance and for helping make this Annual Meeting such a success.

---Million Dollar Round Table

Thanks so much for coming to Cooperstown. It was a special weekend.

--- Baseball Hall of Fame

Truly, you could have heard a pin drop in the room while you were speaking. I think everyone would have stayed all night listening to you. I have heard nothing but glowing remarks for the past two weeks!

--- Brentwood Christian School

Jim was phenomenal. He really connected with the attendees and made their day. So many of them walked up to him to share their personal stories and offer encouragement. It was an awesome experience!

--- Cendant Mortgage