Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to Be Your Best

by Jim Morris, Mark Stuertz, Dennis Quaid (Foreword by)

Overview

Discover the tenacity, ambition, and captivating talent of the pitcher who inspired the hit Disney film The Rookie.

Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite all his hard work and determination, a series of unfortunate events and injuries scuttled his career before he was twenty-five. Doctors told him he would never play again.

Then at age thirty-five—after a string of highly implausible events and at an age when most players are retiring—Morris found himself on the mound as a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His return to the game was so incredible that Disney made his story into a heartwarming film—The Rookie—with a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid. It was released to popular acclaim and was a huge box office success. It won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002 and the CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment.

Dream Makers picks up where The Rookie left off. This compelling memoir explores the untapped territory of Morris’s life, including his contentious relationship with his father, his incessant and grueling struggle with pain and addiction, the mentorship with his wise and loving grandfather who kept him grounded, and the resolve and faith that drove him to overcome every tribulation. Dream Makers explores the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the best, most accomplished people possible—inspiring you to overcome life’s obstacles and achieve your dreams.

Life can come at you fast, but with God, all things are possible. “It’s not about me. It’s what God can do through me.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781682617960
Publisher:	Savio Republic
Publication date:	06/23/2020
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	976,001
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Jim Morris went from high school science teacher and coach to Major League Baseball player. His life story made cinematic history with the 2002 release of The Rookie starring Dennis Quaid. Morris pitched two seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, reaching speeds up to 102 mph before he retired to raise his children. Since 2002, Jim has been traveling around the world inspiring audiences to follow their dreams.

In this book, Morris shares more of his incredible life story including the people who helped make him the success he is today: his dream makers. Morris has been honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement award from the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation, and has been involved with BCFS, Arms of Hope, Texas Youth Commission, and other philanthropic efforts. He launched the Jim “The Rookie” Morris Foundation in 2015 to support and serve underprivileged children. Jim and his wife, Shawna, have raised five children and live near San Antonio.

Table of Contents

Foreword 7

Introduction 11

Chapter 1 Mound of Dreams 17

Chapter 2 Mound of Nightmares 25

Chapter 3 Journey to the Dream 37

Chapter 4 The Big Screen 61

Chapter 5 Dream Killers 77

Chapter 6 Dream Makers 97

Chapter 7 Mentoring the Dream 123

Chapter 8 Journey Through Pain 155

Chapter 9 Naked Jumping Jacks: The Price of Vodka and Cranberry Juice 171

Chapter 10 Powered by Faith 211

Chapter 11 On Stage 223

Chapter 12 Be Your Own Dream Maker 243

Acknowledgments 267

About the Author 269

About the Co-Author 271

Editorial Reviews

Jim Morris’s Dream Makers is a great story for baseball fans, but more than that, it offers a terrific message about overcoming adversity, which is especially valuable in today’s world. Jim brings The Rookie to the present, and lets all of us know that regardless of the challenge, we all can make our dreams come true no matter what the circumstances.

Neil Solondz

"Dream Makers by Jim Morris is one of those books that I found myself not putting down. It was not only informative it was an emotional and inspirational experience throughout. As I found myself in tears several times as I read about his Major League career and subsequent pitfalls and how he was able to rebuild not only his physical life but also his spiritual life as well. If you only read one book this year, this should be the one, as you will experience a life changing miracle, just by what you hear in the world of Jim Morris. God Bless this, great person, who I can say is my friend."

Charlie Parker

I read most of the Dream Makers book and I could barely put it down. I got goosebumps reading some spots and really felt inspired reading it. I just love his message of positivity.

Rocco Constantino

Wow! Jim's storytelling ability always blows me away. This book is freakin’ amazing. I love his honest recounting of so many stories that many people wouldn't have the courage to tell.

Nick Carrier

"What a wonderful testimonial about perseverance, both professionally and personally. Hats off to Jim Morris for his complete vulnerability, He could have ridden off into the sunset after The Rookie, but he was determined to finish telling the story. You think the movie was good? Wait until you read the book!"

Jerry Schemmel

So, I just started reading his book and it is amazing!”

Honor Valencia

Finished his new book late last night—it’s incredible! Wow!

Steve Teel