Esprit de Corps 2009
March 27, 2009
Hilton Hotel
Dinner Seating 7:15pm
Jim “The Rookie” Morris
Harding Academy is pleased to announce that Jim “The Rookie” Morris is the speaker for Esprit de Corps 2009.Jim Morris’s childhood dream of becoming a major league baseball player was derailed by injuries and, admittedly, a lack of maturity. Eleven years after his retirement from baseball and as a high school teacher and coach, Jim’s dream was re-ignited by his then rag-tag high school team—while he was trying to inspire them to follow their dreams. They made each other the following deal: if the team won a District Championship, Coach Morris would have to try out for a major league baseball team. A few weeks later, the team won the District Championship, and Jim followed through on his promise by trying out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, throwing 12 consecutive pitches at 98 mph. Three months later in front of family, friends, and his high school players, Jim achieved his dream of pitching in the major leagues by striking out all-star Royce Clayton with a 98 mph fastball.
Jim “The Rookie” Morris’ inspirational and motivational message about following through on your dreams and promises connects with people of all ages. His life story is the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. This family film won the ESPY for “Best Sports Film of the Year” and was recently recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the 50 Best Sports Films of All-Time.Jim is a loveable and humorous storyteller who will inspire and motivate all of us to never give up on our dreams.