Jim Morris

Disney's "The Rookie"- a gifted storyteller who will inspire, entertain and motivate to reach for your dreams and never give up. Take away valuable lessons to apply to your business and personal life.
Expert on
- Leadership
- Inspirational
- Motivation
- Success
- Teamwork / Teambuilding
Fee Range
$10,000–$12,500Travels from
TX, USBiography
Former MLB Pitcher and Inspiration for Disney’s hit movie “The Rookie”
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.
Jim Morris and his wife, Shawna, have raised five children and live near San Antonio in Texas.