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The Cinderella story of Jim "the Rookie" Morris is testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. His story is the subject of the blockbuster film from Walt Disney, "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid which won the ESPY for "Sports Film of the Year."

Although a baseball player, Jim's story reaches every type of audience. Growing up as a nomadic Navy brat, Jim's whole world was baseball. Originally a highly touted baseball prospect, his dreams were derailed by injuries and immaturity. Instead, Jim got married, raised a family of three, and got his college degree before becoming a high school science teacher and baseball coach in a financially depressed area of West Texas.

At the age of 35 (and some 11 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 dream of pitching in the major leagues. Jim made the following bet with his high school team: if they won the District Championship for their division, he would tryout for the first major league team that came through town.

Jim's team fulfilled their end of the bargain, which committed him to a big league tryout, where he miraculously threw 12 consecutive pitches at a rate of 98 mph, 10 mph harder than he had some 15 years earlier! Inspired by his family and students, Jim immediately signed a professional baseball contract. After just 3 months in the minor leagues and with his family and students in attendance, Jim returned to Texas as a major league player and struck out all-star Royce Clayton with a 98 mile per hour fastball in his first big league game. Jim Morris' ragtag rise from obscurity became the basis for the blockbuster Disney film that more than $150 million.

A schoolteacher by trade, Jim is a polished speaker who inspires and motivates audiences to never give up on their dreams. With a Walt Disney film and the major best-selling book "The Rookie," Jim is part of the landscape of American heroes.

SIGNATURE PROGRAM:
Never Give Up on a Dream
Speaking about second chances in life and overcoming obstacles, Jim's story is a testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. His miracle story captivates and inspires audiences to never give up on a dream.

OTHER TOPICS:
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

**FEE NOTE** Jim "The Rookie" Morris has discounted fees for schools, churches, associations, and non-profit organizations. Please contact us for more information