Jim Morris
Athlete, Author, Teacher and The Inspiration for the Movie “The Rookie”, Jim Morris travels the world as America's foremost inspirational and motivational speaker
The Cinderella story of Jim Morris serves as testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. Jim Morris’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…
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Full Bio
The Cinderella story of Jim Morris serves as testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. Jim Morris’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, was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, won an ESPY for “Sports Film of the Year.” and Sports Illustrated magazine voted The Rookie one of the “five greatest baseball films ever made.”
Originally drafted in the 1st round in 1984, Jim Morris’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.
Jim-Morris-The-RookieEleven years after retiring from minor league baseball, Jim Morris 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 Morris made the bet with his high school team: if they won the District Championship, he would tryout for the majors.
Jim Morris’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 Morris signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and retired from baseball in 2001.
More About Jim Morris. . .
Today, Jim Morris lives with his family near San Antonio and travels the world as America’s foremost inspirational and motivational speaker. His story has become an inspiration to anyone interested in living their dreams.
Jim-Morris-Motivational-SpeakerA school teacher by trade, Jim Morris 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 Morris 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 success as a speaker, Jim Morris has remained genuine and developed a reputation among audiences as being a regular, approachable guy who hangs out with his audience. If you’re looking for someone who will connect with your group, Jim Morris is your guy.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
The Rookie
Jim Morris’s 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 Disney movie “The Rookie”. Hearing Jim tell his story about chasing your dreams and keeping your promises is more entertaining than the legendary film about his life. Jim draws lessons from his own life experiences to inspire others to become mentors and leaders in their own lives and to chase their dreams.
Remembering Who You Are
This topic teaches audiences about the importance of integrity. Remembering who you are in all circumstances, when people are watching and when they are not. Jim tells personal stories about keeping promises, always doing what you say or promise, and what you do when no one is watching
Finding a Mentor and Becoming a Leader
Jim focuses on being the mentor for someone that you would want for yourself. While being that dream maker for another, and by surrounding yourself with the best people to bring out the best in you, you give yourself and others the best chance for success. Jim tells his own
Dream Makers
Jim speaks about chasing dreams, and being your best by surrounding yourself with the best mentors. He includes his life story and the dream makers who helped shaped his life. He incorporates client’s needs into his talks as requested, is entertaining with humor about himself and shows a
Videos
The Rookie
News
Testimonials
Jim – thank you again for such an incredible job last night. Can’t tell you how many people approached us afterwards with praise for you & your message. Please keep doing what you’re doing.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County
Jim – thank you again for such an incredible job last night. Can’t tell you how many people approached us afterwards with praise for you & your message. Please keep doing what you’re doing.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County
Jim was a funny, personable and motivating speaker! He came in for our Men’s Conference and we heard from many that he was their favorite speaker at this event! He was extremely engaging and he connected with the audience so well. We were impressed with his presentation and would be honored to have him come back as our guest any time!
Hope Fellowship, Lead Pastor
Thank you so much for all of your assistance and support. We thoroughly enjoyed having Jim speak at our event on September 25th. He did an amazing job and we have heard nothing but positive feedback from our guests!
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Last night’s event was great! Jim did an amazing job. I stood on the side of the room and watched the audience. Everyone was engaged and listening to every word he said. I had several donors tell me he was their favorite speaker we have ever had. After the event ended Jim spent about 30 minutes signing autographs. He made a lot of kid’s nights. They were very excited. It was very sweet of him to take the time to sign autographs for everyone that wanted one. We really appreciate Jim’s time visiting the Clubs. The kids loved him.
Michelle C.
Everyone loved hearing his story, and enjoyed getting to know him. He received a standing ovation!
Key Bank USA
OH MY GOSH!!!! He was wonderful. Everyone was extremely pleased, saying he was the best speaker we have ever had at our Winter Operations Meeting.
Color Tyme
Florida FBLA-PBL has never had someone speak to a group of middle and high school students and keep their attention as Jim did at our State Leadership Conference in Orlando.
FRBLA-PBL
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