Boyd banquet to feature ‘The Rookie’:This year’s speaker inspired Disney movie
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And this spring, he’ll share his story, and its running theme of “never give up on a dream,” here in McMinnville.
Morris, whose story was the subject of the Walt Disney film “The Rookie,” will be the featured speaker at this year’s Boyd Christian School Spring Activity Banquet, which is scheduled for May 8 at the McMinnville Civic Center.
“He is an excellent speaker with a great message, and is in much demand,” Boyd president C.N. Womack said in announcing this year’s banquet lineup. “We are delighted to have this fine, successful player as our featured speaker.”
A first-round selection in the 1984 major league draft, Morris’ career was slowed, and eventually ended, by a series of arm injuries while in the minor leagues. Earning his college degree and raising a family became his new priorities, but the love of baseball steered him into a high school coaching career, as well.
At 35, 11 years after retiring from the minors, Morris made a speech to his high school team about the importance of pursuing their dreams. As added incentive, he made a bet with his team that if they won their district title, he would try out for a major league team.
After winning the championship, Morris tried out for the big leagues, throwing 12 straight pitches at 98 miles per hour and earning a pro contract. After three months in the minors, he reached the big leagues with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, then moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers before retiring from the game in 2001.
In addition to the film of his life story, Morris is the author of the best-selling book, “The Oldest Rookie: Big-league dreams from a small-town guy” and has developed a strong reputation as a motivational speaker.
For tickets to this year’s banquet, contact G.B. Greene, Thorold Ramsey, David Mayfield, Eva Ferrell or C.N. Womack. You may also call the school at 473-9631.