Jim “The Rookie” Morris
Athlete, Author, Teacher and Inspiration for the Movie, The Rookie
Jim Morris 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 was a high school science teacher and coach in West Texas who miraculously made it to the Major Leagues at the age of 35. The infamous bet made with his baseball team led Morris to try out for the MLB Devil Rays. His incredible left-handed fast pitch reached 98mph and he was ultimately invited to join the Devil Rays organization, minor leagues. Morris spent only three months in the minors and made his major league debut in September 1999 in Arlington, TX.
His life story made cinematic history with the heartwarming and unforgettable Disney movie The Rookie starring Dennis Quaid. Morris pitched two seasons for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays reaching speeds up to 102mph, and went to spring training with the Dodgers in 2001 but chose to retire to raise his children.
Since 2000, Morris has been a highly sought-after inspirational speaker, traveling around the world and inspiring audiences to follow their dreams and never give up. His universal message transcends time. In his latest book, Dream Makers: Surround Yourself With the Best To Be Your Best, Morris shares more of his incredible life story including the people who helped make him the success he is today: his Dream Makers.
While encouraging audiences as large as 30,000 in Busch Stadium and as small as ten in a high-rise office building, you will find Morris' self-deprecating humor to be as entertaining as his storytelling and life lessons. Some of the most popular key takeaways from his featured presentation "Dream Makers":
- Strengthening Leadership: determine who you have around you; surround yourself with the best to be your best
- Remember who you are; the importance of integrity
- Laugh at yourself; life is hard, learn to take life as it comes and have fun with it.
Morris is a best-selling author and has been honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement award from the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation. He has been involved with BCFS, Arms of Hope, the Texas Youth Commission, and other philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he launched a Foundation in his name, giving back to underserved communities and impoverished children.
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 and his wife, Shawna, have raised five children and live near San Antonio in Texas.
DREAM MAKERS: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE BEST TO BE THE BEST
60-minute keynote, also available in breakout sessions and workshops
This program is perfect for all types of employees, administrators, and groups seeking to:
- celebrate accomplishments
- overcome obstacles
- renew enthusiasm
- be encouraged to strive higher than expected to reach beyond goals and dreams
- focus on professional development
The audience will leave:
- inspired to persevere
- motivated into resilience
- entertained
We all have "dream makers and dream killers" in our lives. Learn how to differentiate between the two and how to surround yourself with the best people possible to make you the best you can be! Morris takes you through his life story sharing how dream makers and dream killers shaped him into the man he is today. A humble entertainer, Morris will leave you surprised and encouraged.
A popular presentation that will keep your audience captivated as they move from laughter to tears and back again. Inspiration and motivation at its best!
Morris's latest book Dream Makers: Surround Yourself With the Best To Be Your Best is a great compliment to this program and is available at bulk rates.
REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE; THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY
"Remember who you are" teaches audiences about the importance of integrity in all areas of life. Jim tells personal stories about keeping promises, walking the talk, and what you do when no one is watching you at all...makes you who you are.
A powerful reminder Jim heard daily from his mentor and grandfather, "remember who you are," helped shape who Jim Morris is today.
LEADERSHIP: FINDING A MENTOR AND BECOMING A LEADER
60-minute keynote, also available in breakout sessions and workshops
Perfect for all groups and all ages looking for inspiration and instruction in leadership.
In "finding a mentor and becoming a leader," Jim focuses on the qualities of a mentor, how to find one, and ultimately become the leader that you would want to follow. 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 story of defeat while believing the wrong kind of people and shares his successes while surrounded by key people who helped him believe in himself and pushed him to be the man he is today.
Finding a Mentor and Becoming a Leader's speaking point, will bring your audience along for an entertaining ride of self-reflection and inspiration to be your best and help others along the way.
You hit it out of the ballpark! Response to our annual attendee survey confirms what people told me: They loved your presentation and found it valuable.
Farm Credit Services of America
Everyone loved hearing his story, and enjoyed getting to know him. He received a standing ovation.
Key Bank USA
We’ve had Jim talk to our members and guests on a few occasions now, and each time I walk away with an additional nugget or two of wisdom and inspiration. Our guests loved the message, and you don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate Jim’s story. It’s a talk worth listening to again and again.
(This event was presented virtually)
Thrivent
We all really enjoyed hearing from Jim today! I’ve been getting fabulous feedback all day on his session!
(This event was presented virtually)
Comcast Technology Solutions
Where do I begin to tell you how AMAZING Jim Morris was as our speaker! They will be talking about him for months! We have raised the bar so high, I don't know if we can top him! Jim Morris connected with this group on an extremely inspiring, yet personal level. He allowed the group to become so very comfortable through his amazing delivery so that they each felt they were having a thoughtful and individual conversation with him. His gift of weaving key highlights from his life into teaching moments was exemplary. Everyone in that room came away with something they heard that will lead them to look at what they do and how they inspire others.
Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia
