Jim Morris
From SoSH
| Born: | January 19, 1964 |
| Birthplace: | Brownwood, Texas |
| Hometown: | Brownwood, Texas |
| Height: | 6'3" |
| Weight: | 215 |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Left |
| Drafted: | 1st Round, 1983 by Milwaukee Brewers |
| College: | Ranger College (TX) |
| High School: | Brownwood High School (TX) |
| Other Teams: | Tampa Bay Devil Rays 1999-2000 |
| Years with Boston: | Minor Leagues, 1989 |
Jim Morris is the famed "Rookie" from the Devil Rays that was chronicled in the Walt Disney Motion Picture "The Rookie" starring Dennis Quaid
Contents |
Overall Career
He played only a handful of games in his big league career, however in 1989 he played 2 games for the Sarasota Red Sox of the Florida State League. He was 0-1.
Moment in the Sun
The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris.
While coaching baseball for the Reagan County Owls, Morris made a promise to his team that he would try out for Major League Baseball if his team won the District Championship, something the team had never accomplished before. His team won the title, and Morris kept his end of the bargain. At tryouts, the Major League scout for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays initially wasn't interested in Morris. But, the scout agreed to allow him to try-out so Morris could keep his promise to his students. Surprisingly, Morris discovered that in spite of his age, and having several surgeries on his arm, he was able to throw a 98 mph fastball. In fact, he threw 12 consecutive 98 mph fastballs. After much debate with his family, Morris signed a professional contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization at the age of 35. He started out with the Minor League Class AA Orlando Rays, but after a few appearances, he immediately earned a spot with the AAA Durham Bulls (North Carolina). Thanks to solid performances with Durham, Tampa Bay gave him a chance to pitch with the big club when the rosters expanded, and on September 18, 1999, against Royce Clayton of the Texas Rangers, the 35-year old Morris made his debut, striking Clayton out on four pitches. His goal of pitching in the majors was finally realized, and he made four more appearances later that year.
Trivia
Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers entering the 2001 season before he retired.
Transactions
January 11, 1983: Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1st round (4th pick) of the 1983 amateur draft (Secondary Phase).
June 15, 1987: Released by the Milwaukee Brewers.
September 25, 1988: Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago White Sox.
October 22, 1989: Granted Free Agency.
June 23, 1999: Signed as a Free Agent with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
November 27, 2000: Released by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
December 14, 2000: Signed as a Free Agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
External Links
- TheBaseballCube.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
- Jim Morris - Baseball Reference
