THIS IS EPISODE 506 OF THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST
Jim Morris is a former MLB player, whose life was portrayed in the Disney movie, “The Rookie,” back in 2002. His rise to professional baseball’s pinnacle was one of the most improbable stories you’ll ever see.
Originally selected fourth overall in the 1983 MLB January Draft (Secondary Phase) by the Milwaukee Brewers, Morris suffered arm injuries during his brief four-year minor league career that saw him only reach the Single-A level.
He retired, moved to Big Lake, Texas, and became a teacher and high school baseball coach. In the spring of 1999, Morris made a promise to his high school team that he would try out for an MLB team if his club won the district championship. His team did win and Morris kept his promise to attend a Tampa Bay Devil Rays tryout. That tryout turned into an incredible story that saw Morris make his MLB debut at the age of 35 on September 18, 1999, against the Texas Rangers in his home state.
Morris retired after pitching two seasons in the majors and wrote his autobiography, “The Oldest Rookie.” That book later became a Disney movie, and Jim Morris’ life was portrayed on the big screen by actor Dennis Quaid. This month, Morris released his new book, “Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to be the Best,” and continues to speak and share his story with audiences across the country.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Morris about his new book, being portrayed in “The Rookie,” what he learned about forgiveness in his relationship with his father, overcoming health issues, and using his story to bring glory to God.
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