Speakers Bio

Jim Morris
Texas

Jim Morris' Cinderella story is testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. Jim's childhood dream of becoming a major league player was derailed by serious arm injuries. Instead, Jim married, had three kids, and got his college degree before becoming a high school science teacher and baseball coach in West Texas.

At the age of 35 and some 11 years after retiring from minor league baseball, Jim challenged his high school players with the following bet: if they won the District baseball championship, he would tryout for a major league team.

Inspired, Jim's players fulfilled their part of the bargain, which committed him to a big league tryout, where he miraculously threw 12 consecutive pitches at a rate of 98 mph! Three months later 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 mph fastball in his first big league game. Jim has co-written a critically-acclaimed book, also entitled "The Rookie."

The real life "Rocky," Jim's story strikes a chord with men and women. His story, much like the ESPY award-winning film about his life, "The Rookie," transcends sports. Jim speaks about second chances in life and overcoming obstacles. A schoolteacher by trade, Jim is a lovable storyteller whose miracle story captivates and inspires audiences to never give up on a dream.