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The Oldest Rookie: Big-League Dreams from a Small-Town Guy
Jim Morris was a high school physics teacher until becoming a professional ball player at age 35. This is the true story of how he signed on as the major league's oldest rookie pitcher in 40 years and how long-buried dreams can return to redeem a life.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 28, 2018
Jim Morris loved baseball -- was obsessed, really -- but also was exceedingly injury prone and a terrible, terrible decision maker. He springboarded from junior college to the minor leagues, out to have shoulder surgery, back again, and then out for good.
During this time he got married to a wife who also did not make the best decisions, and accumulated more injuries.
Post baseball, he had a bunch of low-level jobs, a side stint as an All-American punter in D-II football, and made many WHYYYY ARE YOU DOING THAT YOU FOOL decisions. (At the very least Morris needed to spend some serious quality time with Dave Ramsey. )
Anyway, at long last, we get to the reason for the memoire: while coaching a high school baseball team, thirty-five year old Morris promised his players that he'd try out for professional baseball again if they won the district championship. They did, and he did, and apparently that old guy had aged like fine wine and his arm surgeries had turned him into the bionic man. Back into professional baseball, he wound up (very briefly) as a major league baseball player before injuries knocked him out again.
This stint in the majors gave him a second career as an inspirational speaker, royalties for an inspirational movie, and this much less inspirational book.
As a connoisseur of terrible decision-making, I really enjoyed this, and it was interesting getting to know Morris. Nice to learn a few additional details about a player's perspective of the business side of baseball as well.
Not really a place to stick it in the main review, but I want to remember the source of this very short anecdote (pp 123-125 in my copy): Morris, in his typical fashion, wanted to replace his four month old, not yet paid for, and far too expensive new car with an even fancier and absurdly priced model. The salesman looked him over and told him to go away and think about it some more. In a rare fit of sanity, Morris thought, and didn't buy the car. Morris' mother called to thank the salesman for being so honest, arranged to meet him, and, armed with clear proof of the salesman's character, married him in short order.
During this time he got married to a wife who also did not make the best decisions, and accumulated more injuries.
Post baseball, he had a bunch of low-level jobs, a side stint as an All-American punter in D-II football, and made many WHYYYY ARE YOU DOING THAT YOU FOOL decisions. (At the very least Morris needed to spend some serious quality time with Dave Ramsey. )
Anyway, at long last, we get to the reason for the memoire: while coaching a high school baseball team, thirty-five year old Morris promised his players that he'd try out for professional baseball again if they won the district championship. They did, and he did, and apparently that old guy had aged like fine wine and his arm surgeries had turned him into the bionic man. Back into professional baseball, he wound up (very briefly) as a major league baseball player before injuries knocked him out again.
This stint in the majors gave him a second career as an inspirational speaker, royalties for an inspirational movie, and this much less inspirational book.
As a connoisseur of terrible decision-making, I really enjoyed this, and it was interesting getting to know Morris. Nice to learn a few additional details about a player's perspective of the business side of baseball as well.
Not really a place to stick it in the main review, but I want to remember the source of this very short anecdote (pp 123-125 in my copy): Morris, in his typical fashion, wanted to replace his four month old, not yet paid for, and far too expensive new car with an even fancier and absurdly priced model. The salesman looked him over and told him to go away and think about it some more. In a rare fit of sanity, Morris thought, and didn't buy the car. Morris' mother called to thank the salesman for being so honest, arranged to meet him, and, armed with clear proof of the salesman's character, married him in short order.
March 17, 2013
In this 288-page biography, Jim Morris is an amazing baseball player growing up and has dreams to become a major-league pitcher. When he graduates high school, though, life hits him. He has an unexpected baby, is low on money, and he isn't going anywhere in baseball. Over the next few years he tries over and over to advance, but he is plagued with arm injuries that keep him from moving up to the next league. When he finally settles down and finds a teaching job, he coaches the high school baseball team there. They make him promise that if they win the regional championship, he has to try out again. They win, so he goes to try out and is drafted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
I especially like this book partially for two reasons; one was because I share his love for baseball, and two because the film version of this book was one of my favorite movies growing up. Other than that, the book was pretty well-written and interesting. I enjoyed reading it, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks that they are too old to achieve their dreams.
I especially like this book partially for two reasons; one was because I share his love for baseball, and two because the film version of this book was one of my favorite movies growing up. Other than that, the book was pretty well-written and interesting. I enjoyed reading it, and I recommend it to anyone who thinks that they are too old to achieve their dreams.
July 17, 2018
Jim's story has been out there, the Disney movie a few years back but not the same story as the book tells. His story is one of a child brought up in a military family; transient citizens. His father one of those "lifers" who couldn't see past the stripes on his sleeve. The book dwells on the difficult times he had growing up, always trying to fit in. His love of baseball brings him through but doesn't leave his prepared for that "adult" time when decisions are not so simple and come with heavy burdens.
Lorri's love for Jimmy pulled him through. She is represented as the stronger of the 2 in her decision making and her ability to march on in spite of Jimmy's inability to "grow up" and put aside the games of youth.
Well written, easy to follow; a great book.
Lorri's love for Jimmy pulled him through. She is represented as the stronger of the 2 in her decision making and her ability to march on in spite of Jimmy's inability to "grow up" and put aside the games of youth.
Well written, easy to follow; a great book.
July 11, 2020
From the time he was old enough to stand up and throw, Jim Morris loved playing with balls. Football, volleyball, or baseball - if you could toss it, catch it, or kick it he would be right there strutting his stuff.
Sports was not mere entertainment for Jim. It was his forte, his passion, his way of breaking the ice, communicating, making friends and becoming part of the community. He needed every bit of his athletic prowess just to survive socially, for his father was a career military man and the family constantly deployed to different naval bases. As soon as Jim made friends in one place he had to move to another. Yet, in every town they moved to, Jim would find a little league to play in and a team to join.
His love of baseball brought him through his early years and gave him a goal to strive towards as a young adult. He grew up wanting to pitch professionally and he managed to climb up the minor league chain until he hurt his arm. Injury after injury slowed him down so much that he finally decided to quit when he got married.
After his initial shot at baseball, life began to grind him down with the everyday problems and responsibilities of raising kids and paying the rent. Jim kept on plugging away doing the best he could. He went to several colleges and pieced together a degree of some sort. He held down a bunch of low-level jobs, a side stint as an All-American punter in D-II football, and finally settled down and found a high school teaching job where he doubled as the coach of the baseball team. The kids there made him promise that if they won the regional championship, he would take another shot at professional baseball. They win, so he goes to try out and is drafted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
I enjoyed this book not so much because it was about a man who finally achieved his life long dream after years of struggle (although that was pretty cool) , but because it drew a picture of a guy who kept on fighting to overcome the problems thrown at him by life on a daily basis. He always found a way to make things work no matter how tough the obstacles. The story about him planting grass on the high school baseball field is the most heroic story in the book as far as I'm concerned.
The biggest lesson here is - keep on fighting and always keep your promises.
Sports was not mere entertainment for Jim. It was his forte, his passion, his way of breaking the ice, communicating, making friends and becoming part of the community. He needed every bit of his athletic prowess just to survive socially, for his father was a career military man and the family constantly deployed to different naval bases. As soon as Jim made friends in one place he had to move to another. Yet, in every town they moved to, Jim would find a little league to play in and a team to join.
His love of baseball brought him through his early years and gave him a goal to strive towards as a young adult. He grew up wanting to pitch professionally and he managed to climb up the minor league chain until he hurt his arm. Injury after injury slowed him down so much that he finally decided to quit when he got married.
After his initial shot at baseball, life began to grind him down with the everyday problems and responsibilities of raising kids and paying the rent. Jim kept on plugging away doing the best he could. He went to several colleges and pieced together a degree of some sort. He held down a bunch of low-level jobs, a side stint as an All-American punter in D-II football, and finally settled down and found a high school teaching job where he doubled as the coach of the baseball team. The kids there made him promise that if they won the regional championship, he would take another shot at professional baseball. They win, so he goes to try out and is drafted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
I enjoyed this book not so much because it was about a man who finally achieved his life long dream after years of struggle (although that was pretty cool) , but because it drew a picture of a guy who kept on fighting to overcome the problems thrown at him by life on a daily basis. He always found a way to make things work no matter how tough the obstacles. The story about him planting grass on the high school baseball field is the most heroic story in the book as far as I'm concerned.
The biggest lesson here is - keep on fighting and always keep your promises.
April 27, 2018
“The Rookie,” by Jim Morris and Joel Engel, is about a boy who is born into a navy family which means they move around a lot. When Jim was baby all he would do was play catch and hit baseballs, he was born to be a baseball player. He played many differents sports when he grew up including baseball, basketball, and football. He was always playing a sport or doing something sports related. He grew up wanting to play professional baseball and he was able to make it to low A which was a professional team. He kept climbing up the minor league chain until he hurt his arm. He could not play for the rest of the season. He kept getting hurt so he finally quit when he got married. He went to college and he got a degree of some sort. He became a teacher, assistant football coach, and head baseball coach. And he leads his team to victory. And his team makes him try out for a major league team. This book was absolutely amazing and I loved every single second of this book. I love baseball so this book was impossible to put down. I like how the author told his whole life story how he grew up and how he loved baseball. When he felt sad or angry he played baseball and he was calm again. I loved this book because it is about that dream that rarely ever happens in real life, he made it to the major league because he worked hard and never gave up. The lesson in this book is don’t let your dreams be dreams because Jim Morris followed his dreams even through hard times. The other lesson is always keep your promises and good things will happen, he kept his promise and he made it to the major leagues. I absolutely love this book and would read it again and again. It was amazing how he made to the big league after all of his surgeries and trouble and I love this book. I would rate it 20/5 because it was so interesting and fantastic and I loved it.
July 29, 2025
Jim Morris led a remarkable life in regards to athletics, including time as a college football punter and, of course, a 35-year-old rookie in the MLB. However, he could never quite figure out how to get hi personal affairs in order, including his on-again-off-again relationship with his wife, Lorri.
Per usual, the book is better than the movie. The Disney movie leaves out so much of the personal sacrifice and struggle Morris experienced.
Per usual, the book is better than the movie. The Disney movie leaves out so much of the personal sacrifice and struggle Morris experienced.
June 5, 2019
This book is about Jim Morris. Growing up he is extremely athletic. His athletic abilities help him make friends. Morris's parents struggle though, and sometime his life isn't so great. When he gets older he suffers from arm injuries and quits his baseball career. He becomes a father, teacher, and coach. But then, his dream of becoming a major league baseball player, might come true.
February 17, 2020
Jim Morris explains the path he had to take to achieve his dream. He goes about telling his story by starting at the very beginning explaining his whole life. I believe he does a good job getting you invested and wanting to learn more. However I feel like he over explains at some points. Overall I think it was a great book and highly recommend.
April 5, 2024
Reads like the Disney movie it became ("The Rookie"). A touching story, especially for those of us who dreamed of just one game in the big leagues. Better yet, Morris finds his priorities and, in doing so, leaves readers with a different form of inspiration.
November 24, 2017
Good book about not giving up on dreams. It is too bad that his marriage suffered though.
January 16, 2018
This book was so inspiring, I loved it. I admire Jim Morris a lot because he never gave up on his dream and never quit.
June 9, 2019
Really good book.
December 30, 2022
Very good biography! Inspirational and uplifting story.
June 17, 2023
Loved the story and the movie. Never give up on your dreams!!
January 7, 2024
So interesting to find this book years after watching the Disney movie made from his story and read the significant differences. Still, a great and inspirational story.
September 9, 2025
Great biography and reflection
May 1, 2011
The Oldest Rookie
Jim Morris grew up on military bases as a child. Ever since he was a little kid he loved to play with balls. When ever he got a present that was not a toy he would trough a fit and goes to find a ball to play with. One present he got was a ball and a mitt. He did not car so much for the mitt but he loved the ball he would always ask his mom or dad to through the ball for him and play catch but with his dad being in the military he normally didn’t have anyone to play with so he played by himself. Jim had a hard time growing up with his dad always getting deployed to different basses. He would make friends one minute then the next they would get sent somewhere else. One day they when he got really board he went exploring and found some older kids playing so he went and stood in the outfield by the fence and waited till someone saw him. After statnding there for a while they hit a ball right to him so he picked it up and through it all the way to the pitchers mound. After his amazing through all the hids wanted him to play even though he was a couple years younger. Once he started to play more and more he fell in love with the game. His goal was to play major league baseball when he was older and that dream came true. He was chosen to go to the major league spring training and for some reason he was not doing as good as he normally did. He was not chosen to move up instead he was kept back and he had to go to the next training camp. He was put onto a team where they watched how you did and if you did well the would move you up. But instead one game he was pitching and he hurt his elbow. He went to the doctor when it got really bad and they band him from playing baseball for a year. During that time he had a girl friend and after a while they got married. There is more to the story but if I tell you then there would be no need for you to read it.
This book make you feel like you are in his shoes. It almost goes on a day by day basis. This book tels it as his life from when he was born and so on. It is very descriptive and tells many good details that help you almost picture it as if it was happening right in front of you. I would defenetly recoment this book to anyone who likes sports because it tells a lot about the sport and it tells of a mans struggle and the good and bad times of getting into professional baseball. The oldest Rookie is in my opinion one of the best sports books that I have ever read. The only thing that would make you not want to read this book is if you don’t like sport books. Even If you don’t like sports books I still think that you should read this one because like I said I think it is one of the best sports books out there.
Jim Morris grew up on military bases as a child. Ever since he was a little kid he loved to play with balls. When ever he got a present that was not a toy he would trough a fit and goes to find a ball to play with. One present he got was a ball and a mitt. He did not car so much for the mitt but he loved the ball he would always ask his mom or dad to through the ball for him and play catch but with his dad being in the military he normally didn’t have anyone to play with so he played by himself. Jim had a hard time growing up with his dad always getting deployed to different basses. He would make friends one minute then the next they would get sent somewhere else. One day they when he got really board he went exploring and found some older kids playing so he went and stood in the outfield by the fence and waited till someone saw him. After statnding there for a while they hit a ball right to him so he picked it up and through it all the way to the pitchers mound. After his amazing through all the hids wanted him to play even though he was a couple years younger. Once he started to play more and more he fell in love with the game. His goal was to play major league baseball when he was older and that dream came true. He was chosen to go to the major league spring training and for some reason he was not doing as good as he normally did. He was not chosen to move up instead he was kept back and he had to go to the next training camp. He was put onto a team where they watched how you did and if you did well the would move you up. But instead one game he was pitching and he hurt his elbow. He went to the doctor when it got really bad and they band him from playing baseball for a year. During that time he had a girl friend and after a while they got married. There is more to the story but if I tell you then there would be no need for you to read it.
This book make you feel like you are in his shoes. It almost goes on a day by day basis. This book tels it as his life from when he was born and so on. It is very descriptive and tells many good details that help you almost picture it as if it was happening right in front of you. I would defenetly recoment this book to anyone who likes sports because it tells a lot about the sport and it tells of a mans struggle and the good and bad times of getting into professional baseball. The oldest Rookie is in my opinion one of the best sports books that I have ever read. The only thing that would make you not want to read this book is if you don’t like sport books. Even If you don’t like sports books I still think that you should read this one because like I said I think it is one of the best sports books out there.
January 21, 2014
"The Rookie" by. Jim Morris, is the Incredible True Story of a Man Who Never Gave Up on His Dream, is a wonderful book that tells the life of a baseball player named Jimmy Morris. Jimmy grew up as the son of a recruiter for the United States Navy, a job that required constant moving from town to town. Jimmy and his family never stayed in one town for very long, as they were constantly on the move, due to his dad's job, yet the one thing that kept Jimmy happy, was baseball. Everywhere he went, every town they moved to, Jimmy would find a little league to play in somewhere, and he loved every opportunity he got to play the game, as his dream was to be a big league pitcher.
When he went to high school, at Brownwood High, there was not a baseball team, and so Jimmy played football instead. Jimmy was drafted in 1982, in the amateur draft by the Yankees, although he did not sign. A year later, he was signed by the Brewers, although constant arm problems and surgery's led to his release. He decided to retire and to become a science teacher and baseball coach in Texas at the local high school, Reagan County High in Big Lake Texas with his wife and kids. As the team is not doing so hot, Jimmy makes a deal with them that if they start winning, he will try out again. They end up winning the district, and Jimmy goes to an open tryout at 35 years old, older than every player there. He has recently been throwing the ball harder and faster than he ever has, even harder than he did in high school, and the Devil Rays drafted him. He pitched in twenty one big league games and mad his debut in 1999, at 35 years old.
One of the reasons why I loved reading this book, is because it tells a great story of how a man never gave up on his dreams, and a miracle occurred to him and he finally got to live his dream. Thanks to his high school students help, they made him try out again and he was drafted and later made the show. The biggest lesson that I got out of the book was that, you never know what the future has in store for you, and so if you work hard at achieving a goal or your dream, you never know what is or isn't possible.
When he went to high school, at Brownwood High, there was not a baseball team, and so Jimmy played football instead. Jimmy was drafted in 1982, in the amateur draft by the Yankees, although he did not sign. A year later, he was signed by the Brewers, although constant arm problems and surgery's led to his release. He decided to retire and to become a science teacher and baseball coach in Texas at the local high school, Reagan County High in Big Lake Texas with his wife and kids. As the team is not doing so hot, Jimmy makes a deal with them that if they start winning, he will try out again. They end up winning the district, and Jimmy goes to an open tryout at 35 years old, older than every player there. He has recently been throwing the ball harder and faster than he ever has, even harder than he did in high school, and the Devil Rays drafted him. He pitched in twenty one big league games and mad his debut in 1999, at 35 years old.
One of the reasons why I loved reading this book, is because it tells a great story of how a man never gave up on his dreams, and a miracle occurred to him and he finally got to live his dream. Thanks to his high school students help, they made him try out again and he was drafted and later made the show. The biggest lesson that I got out of the book was that, you never know what the future has in store for you, and so if you work hard at achieving a goal or your dream, you never know what is or isn't possible.
April 8, 2013
I bought this book a few days ago while perusing Half Price Books for the book I REALLY wanted, which was R.A. Dickey's. They didn't have it, but I went ahead and paid for this one anyway. After all, it's baseball, and I already knew I loved the story, or at least the story the movie tells. I figured it would be a quick, harmless read, and I hoped I would enjoy it.
As it turns out, there is a reason the movie starts the story line where the book ends. Seriously. The entire plot of the movie is based on the last chapter (and the epilogue) of the book. And Dennis Quaid makes a far better underdog character than does the man himself (Jim Morris).
The first 200 or so pages are devoted to chronicling Jim's life from the time he was born - and even further back than that. We are taken through his parents' first meeting, a bit of their childhoods, his conception, birth, and military childhood. And Jim does not present himself as a character you want to root for. He comes off as a self-satisfied, egotistical jerk who thinks a lot more of himself than any athlete ever should, regardless of ability. It was actually difficult to keep reading, at times. He just does NOT come off as a nice guy. And even though, because I've seen the movie, I already knew how it would end - that he would make the majors - I didn't want him to. I was totally rooting against him.
Near the end, my bitterness toward him assuaged a little when I started picturing him as Dennis Quaid instead of as himself. I like Dennis Quaid immensely more than I like this guy, and I don't really care about Dennis Quaid. I mean, he's a great actor, but who am I to know if he's a legitimately nice guy? But he can certainly act like one, whereas I never felt like the real Jim Morris could.
I'm glad to be done with the book, and I don't recommend it. But I highly recommend the movie. It's fantastic.
As it turns out, there is a reason the movie starts the story line where the book ends. Seriously. The entire plot of the movie is based on the last chapter (and the epilogue) of the book. And Dennis Quaid makes a far better underdog character than does the man himself (Jim Morris).
The first 200 or so pages are devoted to chronicling Jim's life from the time he was born - and even further back than that. We are taken through his parents' first meeting, a bit of their childhoods, his conception, birth, and military childhood. And Jim does not present himself as a character you want to root for. He comes off as a self-satisfied, egotistical jerk who thinks a lot more of himself than any athlete ever should, regardless of ability. It was actually difficult to keep reading, at times. He just does NOT come off as a nice guy. And even though, because I've seen the movie, I already knew how it would end - that he would make the majors - I didn't want him to. I was totally rooting against him.
Near the end, my bitterness toward him assuaged a little when I started picturing him as Dennis Quaid instead of as himself. I like Dennis Quaid immensely more than I like this guy, and I don't really care about Dennis Quaid. I mean, he's a great actor, but who am I to know if he's a legitimately nice guy? But he can certainly act like one, whereas I never felt like the real Jim Morris could.
I'm glad to be done with the book, and I don't recommend it. But I highly recommend the movie. It's fantastic.
April 20, 2010
quick read about a guy who finally made the major leagues at 35 as a relief pitcher, after being out of the game for 10 years or so. The kids on h.s. baseball team he was coaching made him promise to try out one more time if they won championship - they did, and one thing led to another.
I remember this story vaguely from press coverage in late '90's but thought it had been some sort of miracle, like he was discovered skipping stones in Lake Needwood by an off-duty baseball scout. He'd actually been a minor league player for several years after high school till serial arm injuries and the needs of a growing family took him away from it. And he was obviously a terrific all-around athlete (e.g., in one stop on his bouncing around between baseball stints he was a division II all-american punter for his college football team).
Some tough material about his unhappy childhood and family life, the strains placed on his marriage by his roundabout process of finding a career, etc.
Made me think about the nature of talent, credentials, advancement on career ladders, etc. If he were some sort of wizard at the law, it wouldn't make any difference unless he could spare the time and money for law school, work through the approved steps to get degree and license, and so on. But if you can throw strikes at 98 mph, you're always just one break away from making it to the show.
I remember this story vaguely from press coverage in late '90's but thought it had been some sort of miracle, like he was discovered skipping stones in Lake Needwood by an off-duty baseball scout. He'd actually been a minor league player for several years after high school till serial arm injuries and the needs of a growing family took him away from it. And he was obviously a terrific all-around athlete (e.g., in one stop on his bouncing around between baseball stints he was a division II all-american punter for his college football team).
Some tough material about his unhappy childhood and family life, the strains placed on his marriage by his roundabout process of finding a career, etc.
Made me think about the nature of talent, credentials, advancement on career ladders, etc. If he were some sort of wizard at the law, it wouldn't make any difference unless he could spare the time and money for law school, work through the approved steps to get degree and license, and so on. But if you can throw strikes at 98 mph, you're always just one break away from making it to the show.
October 29, 2015
The book “The Oldest Rookie” written by Jim Morris in 2001 is about the main character Jim. When he was born he always wanted to play sports mostly baseball. He would throw the ball to himself for hours, with hoping to become a major league baseball player in the upcoming years. His father was a military worker and they had to move at least once a year. With Jim not wanting to move going all over the world with his gift of baseball, he got to show off in front of so many kids. The problem is when Jim finally grows up his arms starts having problems and doesn’t know if he can play in the big leagues.
I personally really like this book. If you're a baseball fan or any type of sport you should check out this book. With not knowing what might happen, like Jim pitched a 3 hit game but then the next game his arm needs surgery. You never know what will happen next and I really like that. Also another reason the book is good is because it shows how hard work pays off. With Jim not having a father around and not much friends because they moved so much. This means Jim had to play by himself on a lot of stuff school, sports, any other activity. There are moments in the book where are sad parts to where you might even tear up a little bit. So if you want a good book to sit down and could read for hours, without even getting bored then this will do it for you!
I personally really like this book. If you're a baseball fan or any type of sport you should check out this book. With not knowing what might happen, like Jim pitched a 3 hit game but then the next game his arm needs surgery. You never know what will happen next and I really like that. Also another reason the book is good is because it shows how hard work pays off. With Jim not having a father around and not much friends because they moved so much. This means Jim had to play by himself on a lot of stuff school, sports, any other activity. There are moments in the book where are sad parts to where you might even tear up a little bit. So if you want a good book to sit down and could read for hours, without even getting bored then this will do it for you!
November 12, 2011
Jim Morris, a 35 year old high school baseball coach who washed out of minor league baseball years before, was offered a deal by his team: If they won the league championship—something that seemed improbable at the time—he would try out for a major league team. Of course the team won the league championship and he went to a major league tryout where he impressed the scouts. He signed a minor league professional contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and before the season was over was called up to pitch in the major leagues.
This is the part of the story that I (and most baseball fans) knew before reading the book. What I learned from the book was how many dead ends Morris encountered before he found the road to the big leagues. In his early minor league career he was plagued by injury and illness that seemed to happen whenever he was poised to take the next step forward, a series of signs that he took to mean his dream was not to be. What he didn’t know, was that it meant he wasn’t ready yet. As Morris says in the preface, “…I’ve figured out that it’s not me, exactly, that touches people; it’s what I represent: the possibility that dreams from long ago may still come true, even if they look lost forever.”
This is the part of the story that I (and most baseball fans) knew before reading the book. What I learned from the book was how many dead ends Morris encountered before he found the road to the big leagues. In his early minor league career he was plagued by injury and illness that seemed to happen whenever he was poised to take the next step forward, a series of signs that he took to mean his dream was not to be. What he didn’t know, was that it meant he wasn’t ready yet. As Morris says in the preface, “…I’ve figured out that it’s not me, exactly, that touches people; it’s what I represent: the possibility that dreams from long ago may still come true, even if they look lost forever.”
September 27, 2016
Not what I thought it would be. Kind of a bummer. Got for just a buck, so I don't feel too ripped off, but I mostly picked this up because I feel I've read a book on every MLB team and I realized I didn't really have anything at all to do with the Tampa Bay Rays. This book is about a pitcher, Jim Morris, who overcomes odds and never gives up on his dream (only he actually did...twice) to pitch in the major leagues after following through with a promise with his high school team he coached. They won the section championship, so now the 35-year-old with arm problems has to give it one last shot at trying baseball himself for a living. I thought a good portion of the book would be about him pitching with the Rays, or at least their minor league system, but that's basically the last 25 pages only. Like, oh, by the way, yeah the reason you picked up this book? Yeah he did it. He made it. Book over. I've never seen the movie and probably won't now. THe first 100 pages at least is about him saying how he was the best ballplayer at the age of 5...ever! So many paragraphs where I was like, "Did this really happen? Really?" Look, I'm glad the pitcher made the big leagues, but the book took waaaay too long to get to the point. Avoid.
April 18, 2008
Non-Fiction
The story of a 35 year old man who has always dreamed of playing major league baseball. He is the coach of a high school baseball team in Texas. They make a bet that if the team wins the league championship he will try out for a major league team. His pitches are recorded in the 98 MPH range and he gets signed to play major league baseball becoming the youngest rookie in 30 years.
The best parts of this book were made into a movie starring Dennis Quaid called The Rookie. The movie changed a few small facts for dramatization, but the important/interesting stuff is there. This book focuses much more on his life up to that moment when he tries out for the team. He describes his childhood playing ball, his dissapointment in his first foray into professional ball and his difficulties in marriage and family life. It boils down to a memoir about not giving up on your dreams.
Well written, it kept me interested over the weekend. A good book, not a great book. Fans of the movie might be dissapointed.
The story of a 35 year old man who has always dreamed of playing major league baseball. He is the coach of a high school baseball team in Texas. They make a bet that if the team wins the league championship he will try out for a major league team. His pitches are recorded in the 98 MPH range and he gets signed to play major league baseball becoming the youngest rookie in 30 years.
The best parts of this book were made into a movie starring Dennis Quaid called The Rookie. The movie changed a few small facts for dramatization, but the important/interesting stuff is there. This book focuses much more on his life up to that moment when he tries out for the team. He describes his childhood playing ball, his dissapointment in his first foray into professional ball and his difficulties in marriage and family life. It boils down to a memoir about not giving up on your dreams.
Well written, it kept me interested over the weekend. A good book, not a great book. Fans of the movie might be dissapointed.
November 14, 2015
From the first few pages, I knew I was going to enjoy the story about Jim Morris' struggle to make it to the big leagues in pro baseball. Let me start off with saying that I am not a baseball fan. I don't follow a team and could not name five current players.
You don't have to watch baseball to enjoy The Rookie. It is more about one man's struggle to work at something he has loved since the day he was born. Its what he was born to do. But he struggles. Nothing in his adult life ever comes easy; not baseball, not his marriage, not any job he held.
The writing is wonderful and draws the reader into the story. I saw the movie last year and was expecting the book to mirror the movie. Instead, I found the movie really only focused in on the last quarter of the book. I highly enjoyed learning following Jim from being born up until he was an adult.
Overall, I was highly impressed with this The Rookie. I highly recommend picking up the story about the life and times of Jim Morris, the oldest rookie.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
You don't have to watch baseball to enjoy The Rookie. It is more about one man's struggle to work at something he has loved since the day he was born. Its what he was born to do. But he struggles. Nothing in his adult life ever comes easy; not baseball, not his marriage, not any job he held.
The writing is wonderful and draws the reader into the story. I saw the movie last year and was expecting the book to mirror the movie. Instead, I found the movie really only focused in on the last quarter of the book. I highly enjoyed learning following Jim from being born up until he was an adult.
Overall, I was highly impressed with this The Rookie. I highly recommend picking up the story about the life and times of Jim Morris, the oldest rookie.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
January 19, 2017
This story about Jim Morris takes us through his life, starting with the history of his parents, and ending with a career in Major League Baseball. The area of the book that intrigues me the most is the area involving his high school, and college life. Here he talks of his decision to do football rather than baseball in the pro-football Texas environment, he also talks about how he was a star at football, being able to "catch anything I touch", and being able to "run untouched in the open field." Although he talks about successes here, Morris also talks about his hardships. One such hardship being the dissolution of his father's relationship with him due to a relationship that his father didn't approve of. This later led to his father disregarding him as his son as he tells his wife to "tell YOUR son that I lost weight." (The use of "your" meaning that he was her, but not his son.) All in all, I enjoyed learning of both the successes and hardships that Jim Morris went through in his autobiography,"The Rookie."
August 8, 2012
The book was quite different than the movie. I love the movie, as the story resonated well with me. I always wanted to be a pro baseball player, and seeing Jimmy Morris pursue and accomplish his dream was powerfully inspiring to me. The book was also great, though I probably like the romanticized version of the story told in the movie better.
The book dives a lot more into the psyche of Morris, and you get to see first hand is inner demons. The book does a great job of depicting the real life grittiness of Jimmy's journey. I appreciate his hardship, disappointment, and overcoming all of it to follow his dream. The book also gives you a lot better insight into his mistakes and the not so great parts of his personality. The movie made me cry, the book caused me to get a little misty eyed.
If you are a baseball fan, or someone who enjoys story's about accomplished dreams, this is a great book for you. I loved it!
The book dives a lot more into the psyche of Morris, and you get to see first hand is inner demons. The book does a great job of depicting the real life grittiness of Jimmy's journey. I appreciate his hardship, disappointment, and overcoming all of it to follow his dream. The book also gives you a lot better insight into his mistakes and the not so great parts of his personality. The movie made me cry, the book caused me to get a little misty eyed.
If you are a baseball fan, or someone who enjoys story's about accomplished dreams, this is a great book for you. I loved it!
October 26, 2012
I am sure many of you have seen the Disney movie The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. If not, stop reading this post, get on over to Netflix and order it. After you watch it, you really ought to read the book, because it tells the story of Jimmy Morris’s life preceding the events in the movie (read a post about the movie here). He wasn’t always as gentle as Quaid portrays him, though he does a great job reenacting his personality and easy-going demeanor. And it wasn’t as easy to get to play in the big leagues as only a two hour film can fit. The movie only hints at the fact that Jimmy Morris had wanted to play baseball since he was a kid – try three years old! It took him thirty-two years to accomplish his dream and pitch in the major leagues before thousands of people.
Read the rest of the review here: http://adoptingjames.wordpress.com/20...
Read the rest of the review here: http://adoptingjames.wordpress.com/20...
March 17, 2014
I felt very let down by this book. I live in the UK but really got into baseball during a visit to the states a few years ago.
I joined an amateur baseball team and hoped this book would be inspirational. It really isn't.
The book is poorly written by a selfish, shallow, egotistical, boastful bore. He spends the whole book going on about what a winner he is whilst simultaniously alienating his poor wife and family and blaming any failures he encounters on everyone except himself. He tries to claim hes a natural at just about any sport he puts his name to...somehow I'm not convinced.
If Jim Morris employed modesty or humility at any point in the book it would have been enjoyable but I had no interest in reading a book written by an egomanic who does nothing but blow his own trumpet
What a let down
I joined an amateur baseball team and hoped this book would be inspirational. It really isn't.
The book is poorly written by a selfish, shallow, egotistical, boastful bore. He spends the whole book going on about what a winner he is whilst simultaniously alienating his poor wife and family and blaming any failures he encounters on everyone except himself. He tries to claim hes a natural at just about any sport he puts his name to...somehow I'm not convinced.
If Jim Morris employed modesty or humility at any point in the book it would have been enjoyable but I had no interest in reading a book written by an egomanic who does nothing but blow his own trumpet
What a let down
April 30, 2011
If you watch the movie "The Rookie", you only get a tiny bit of the story. If you read the book, you get it all. This sounds like an incredibly obvious statement, but you'll understand what it means if you read the book.
In the movie you get the idea that his family life wasn't so great, when you read the book, you find out it was worse - and why.
The movie gives you a tiny glimpse and basically no explanation. If you want the low-down, read this book.
I was also amazed at how well this book was written, because, come on, hardly any baseball players can SPEAK correctly, much less WRITE. But it's actually really funny, and stark and engaging.
In the movie you get the idea that his family life wasn't so great, when you read the book, you find out it was worse - and why.
The movie gives you a tiny glimpse and basically no explanation. If you want the low-down, read this book.
I was also amazed at how well this book was written, because, come on, hardly any baseball players can SPEAK correctly, much less WRITE. But it's actually really funny, and stark and engaging.
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