Jim Morris
Former High-School Teacher Turned Major League Baseball Player; Author & Subject of the Film, The Rookie
Biography
Jim “ The R o okie ” M o rris Bio Jim "The Rookie" Morris is a remarkable individual whose journey from high school science teacher and coach in West Texas to Major League Baseball pitcher is nothing short of inspiring. At the age of 35, Jim defied the odds and made it to the big leagues, a story that captured the world's attention and was immortalized in the Disney movie The Rookie , starring Dennis Quaid. Jim spent two seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, reaching speeds up to 102 mph, but he chose to retire to focus on raising his children. Since then, Jim has been a motivational speaker, traveling around the globe to inspire audiences to follow their dr eams and never give up. He shares his story and lessons learned in his book, Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to Be Your Best , where he highlights the people who helped him along his journey — his Dream Makers. In addition to his career as a motivational speaker, Jim has earned numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation and a CAMIE Award for Character and Morality in Entertainment for The Rookie . His philanthropic work includes involvement with organizations such as BCFS, Arms of Hope, and the Texas Youth Commission, as well as the creation of his own foundation in 2015 to support underserved communities and children. Jim and his wife, Shawna, have raised five children and live near San Antonio, continuing to lead lives filled with inspiration, service, and dedication to helping others.
Speech Topics
Dream Makers: Surround Yourself With the Best to Be Your Best
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! Jim takes you thro ugh his life story sharing how dream makers and dream killers shaped him into the man he is t oday. 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
Remember Who You Are
"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.
Finding a Mentor and Becoming a Leader
In "finding a mentor and becoming a leader," Jim focuses on being the mentor for others that you would want for yourself. While being that dream maker for another and 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 about 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.
Videos
Books
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How can I check Jim Morris's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Jim Morris's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Jim Morris's speaking fee?
The typical range for Jim Morris's speaking fee is $5,000–$13,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Jim Morris to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Jim Morris for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Jim Morris's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Jim Morris through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
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