The Rookie (2002) - Meet the Real Rookie

[@rickduncan362]

What a great story. I have seen this movie at least 10 times and it never ceases to amaze me how a guy his age actually made it to the big leagues. I think all of us as kids hoped we could be Jimmy.

[@highhitproductions]

This story always hits home. Grew up playing travel and showcase ball. Played in 17 states and played on a top 10 team in the country. Tore my rotator cuff at 15 and I’ll never forget when the phone calls and inquires stopped coming in to my parents. I thought my life was over. I have 3 beautiful daughters at 27 and this movie and story always makes me wonder if I could do more. Jim Morris is a true inspiration and it’s always a tough time keeping dry eyes watching this movie.

[@Akshaykajar]

well i am 27 and i think you shall give it a shot , 27 is still much better then 35

[@RatedFlashbob]

Man this story is so eerily similar to mine except different injuries. Pitching was my first love. Also 15 years old and had all of the potential in the world. Was starting to gain solid recruiting attention when I took a line drive up the middle off my temple. I was never, ever the same. That day played through my head constantly for 10 years. I finally let go when my daughter and son were born realizing if that injury never happened, I would have been somewhere entirely different. Its crazy to think about sometimes. However, I still have that itch and have always wondered if 10 years away from pitching reversed all mental issues that plagued me following the injury.

[@mytxmygun6300]

Your story is so similar to mine I've even got 2 girls. I'm a little older and didn't play in 17 states but played internationally against Mexico in Pony league anyway have you every thought about a knuckle ball?

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

@@RatedFlashbob This is why I stopped playing baseball. Didn't like a game where 100 mph projectiles were supposed to be aimed at me.

[@Dogapukeamilk]

Nah. You’re done

[@spg1026]

Lost my Dad in June this year. Baseball was a passion we shared and he loved this real life story and the movie The Rookie. I didn’t cry but came close.

[@bbqworld2103]

@Sean Gilbert My condolences for your loss..

[@BluBlu111]

Let it out

[@darrellhall6622]

I bet you did cry when you saw Field of Dreams

[@DonWinslow-cn7zx]

I lost my dad in June of 1991. He was just 55. At the time, I was in the United States Navy, during Desert Storm. Seeing this film always gets me, but I love it. I'm so sorry for your loss. Dad absolutely loved baseball. I miss watching the games with him.

[@steveradanovich4962]

The movie showed well the relationship between husband and wife. Communication, truth, and talking until it is all worked out. Great movie.

[@thickerconstrictor9037]

Except they got divorced in real life haha

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

The fact at 35 he made it to the pros is awe inspiring. Also 35 is still young he wasn't 80 in the major leagues. This proves your never to old to accomplish your goals and dreams.

[@faisalk379]

Anthony Mcqueen why 35 is bad?

[@deathjr112]

Faisal k between the ages of 35-40 your athleticism starts to deteriorate that’s why most professional players stop playing around that time. Your reaction slows also your running abilities and ability to hit the long ball drops and if your a pitcher your arm tires quickly or goes out all together that’s why most older players are closers because at most your pitching an inning or 2

[@manofiske3318]

@joek money You're expecting to live past 110 years? Really?

[@ATalkingBadger]

*you're* never too old to take an English class.

[@ATalkingBadger]

@joek money *you're

[@RicardoRoams]

Wonderful story! I used to dream about playing in the Major Leagues. What young boy didn't? But my dream ended at age 20. My knees were already shot. It was one of the greatest disappointments of my life. But I wouldn't trade all those years of playing the game I loved for anything. I'm now 70 and still a huge fan of baseball. I'm getting excited because another spring training is just around the corner.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

I could hit a ball 350 feet at age fourteen but didn't have the total package and didn't like facing increasingly faster pitching even though I could time my swing to it. Too dangerous and dirty.

[@jockellis]

I would love to play in a geezer league and I’m 74.

[@Kevinb1821]

Hard to believe this movie is now 18 years old. I just watched it for the first time in 15 Years. Man it’s a good movie. Not even a big Dennis quaid fan but he was good in this.

[@earlmcclain8488]

Thats the beauty of baseball you never know

[@phatcrayonz]

Thank you for everything Jimmy. You make this old man dream again and ready to take action.

[@phatcrayonz]

One of my favorite baseball stories.

[@abelincoln5698]

I wish I could have played baseball longer. I got to play for 3 seasons in the minor leagues in the Reds organization. I didn't have much success and pretty much gave up at 23 years old . I got a good job making 3 times as much money as I made playing but I missed the game and still do. Its been 26 years since I played but it seems like yesterday

[@abelincoln5698]

@@williamwallacesager6460 I know man and I'm thankful that I had the opportunity. I wouldn't trade those 3 seasons for anything. I met some great people and got paid to have fun , although it was hard work too. I got to meet people like Johnny Bench, Mario Soto, Davey Concepcion , Tony Perez and many other people I looked up to as a kid. And got to go to Mexico and the Caribbean for free. It was a long time ago but i remember every minute.

[@seankiesling2054]

What position did you play

[@JJ-ym8bu]

@@seankiesling2054 Left right out.

[@krisstlaurent1032]

That’s sad, but you were one hell of a president!

[@georgesouthwick7000]

I understand exactly how you feel. I don’t think you ever stop missing the game. It is so rare to find something you love so much, you would do it for nothing. I hope those who get this chance realize just how lucky they are and enjoy every moment, because it can end in a heartbeat.

[@joanasheehan5624]

… and bought your movie… it’s awesome… over and over… you inspire! Love Dennis Quaid. Perfect!

[@datruth9872]

Excellent Story ! I tell it regularly to the young folks I come in contact with.

[@wshannonwilliams]

A great story and a must see movie! Watched it way more times than I'll admit.

[@nickinportland]

Love this. I didn’t grow up in west Texas but went to Texas Tech and you just love the people out there. Good folk.

[@nickinportland]

@@BarneysBullit sounds great, lucky man.

[@ylekiote99999]

One of my favourite all time movies.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

" The Rookie " , I LOVE this movie. I've seen it many many times. And the actress who plays his wife is absolutely gorgeous.

[@Kingstarchannelriley76]

Definitely been an inspiration in my life!

[@rodrigomunozlevi4214]

Thanks Mr Morris. Thanks... One of the most wonderful stories I have ever known... Wow

[@j.jmcquade5278]

one of the most motivational stories i've seen. truly inspiring. #PASSION

[@thehaze4041]

What a stand up guy! Fantabulous story, love it!

[@2006ManPro]

A great movie, an even better story

[@douglasrau5094]

If you read his biography, he goes into more details into the arm surgeries he had as he was trying to make it through the Brewers as a kid. The ligaments they took out of his arm, there’s no way he should have been able to throw 98 mph with any consintincy. It should not have been physically possible. Somehow he did it, for a short while at least. Enough to gift him the nice benefits package the MLB gives former big leaguers who appear in a major league game. Good for him.

[@tangomantactical]

What is the benefit package? I'm legit asking. MLB isn't my sport.

[@douglasrau5094]

@@tangomantactical I’m not sure of all of it but I know if you so much as spend a day on a big league roster, you and your spouse never have to worry about finding health insurance for the rest of your lives.

[@dramatyst5661]

​@@douglasrau5094you have to play ten years in the bigs to get life insurance for life and pension

[@freddylong156]

What a story, what a guy! Way to go Jimmy Morris👍🏻

[@bigal1337]

Wow what a story! The movie was great! Jim you truly are an inspiration! Way to go!

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

Nice job...I did some thing kinda similar,at age thirty seventy,motivated by my love for baseball I got a little tired of driving by the Pittsburg pirates practice field for spring training on my way to work everyday,knowing how much I loved the game,with that question in my heaf,but I knew the answer but got side tracked for what ever reason...well I hadn't seen a live pitcher in 20years or more and you only get 5 swings at this try out....they kept asking me if I had signed a contract with another pro team because I bought real pants and real pirates hat,5 swings and one came within two feet of being a homerun,when I went back to work my boss who I didn t know had told me that he had signed a contract at 18 years old but hurt his knee in van accident at work,he's starts calling me the natural,and I'm like what,he say you don't start playing pro ball at 37 Roy....who....players are retiring at 25.....oh I didn't care that was the cut off age for the try out but I didn't know till the day before and I said heck with that I'm going anyway....after this catcher tried to get me to go to plant city and try out for the Detroit tigers and I was cool,I figured it would be a matter of time before my car accident injures would catch up with me,a ligament popped in my back going to my left arm,don Mattingly had same deal and he was in for surgery a week later.me I got hung out to dry by car insurance company's new no fault rule,car accident some one is at fault useally....life goes on.I am still getting a chuckle out of those high school kids having to hit batting practice at 95mph plus everyday,hah hah,I can throw 87mph may be 90 that's why I played third.its amazing to me that someone has the ability to throw 98 miles per hour consistently,I'm at 90 from third to first but my mechanics are flawed,great story when u gotta do what u gotta do...thanks

[@pablocruise678]

Just watched it again last night!! Love this movie!

[@petergrinbergs8416]

TEAR-SMILE-DELIGHT!!! Have seen the movie 3 maybe 4 times and I do not truly know what to recommend as a first watch.

[@joanasheehan5624]

Go Jim!!! Highest respect for you man!!! It was God’s leading! Man makes his plans but God ordains his footsteps! It was your time! Amen and praises to God-Christ our Savior!

[@mr.p1850]

This is a story all kids need to see and hear. Have dreams, set goals and work towards them. You never know until you've given it your all. Side note: My favorite scene (not addressed here and I hope is accurate) is when he calls home to tell his wife that he made the bigs and she makes him tell his son. I've always related to that in two ways; as shown in the movie (except it football) and reversed as in my son calling me to tell me he made the bigs. I can only imagine the pride, love and emotions in that simple moment.

[@EzraStyles-b6n]

Great job Jim...you're a true inspiration

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Absolutely l⚾️ve this story and movie. God bless Jim Morris and his family. ✝️

[@josephcure7376]

Awesome!! Just Awesome.. like the person before me said ..one of my favorite movies..thank you Jim..

[@cgpapineau]

I loved the real story and the movie. I literally cried when Jim Morris took the mound in his major league debut.

[@martinpye549]

One great story, quite close to the movie. Seems like such a lovely man. Quaid and Griffiths were amazing in the movie.

[@MrJking065]

Just wow I thought this guy had been in the Major Leagues for years when I first recall seeing him. Great story.

[@t.j.8220]

An amazing story and blessing to all people.

[@davidbrooks1724]

Yes that was a beautiful ballpark. What a way to come in to the majors

[@GMurphy-kx2qr]

This brought upon tears when I saw it in the movie

[@williemabry8730]

Greatest baseball movie!

[@shawnmurphy-ef9kv]

What an amazing story Jimmy Morris coach of the big lake owls now it's your turn coach he wanted something more and he got it and did it he basically showed himself what he could do so awesome god bless you Jimmy Morris and all the guys you coached that year god bless you and your family loved the movie the rookie with Dennis quade

[@wally1166]

Great story for all dreamers playing the game of baseball

[@j.jmcquade5278]

I was thinking about my own life while watching this. All the people who questioned, doubted and tried talking me out of my dreams growing up. Now that I look back all these years later, i realize the one's who were trying to talk me out of my dreams and discourage me were the one's who never accomplished their own dreams and ended up in dead-end jobs. The one's who told me to go after my dreams and inspired me were the one's who DID make it in life and DID achieve their dreams. Simple as that. Anyone who tries to discourage you, rest assured - they've failed in their dream and are losers. A winner (one who's accomplished their dreams) will never try to discourage you from yours.

[@XaviRonaldo0]

The greatest thing about the movie is it didn't take a lot of creative liberties. Apart from the whole team attending his debut I can't think of anything else.

[@coldisle]

I thought that the movie real did justice to a uniquely American story that is just beyond heartwarming. The amazing Dennis Quaid hit it out of the park…so to speak. The film should be required viewing for all high school kids. It’s not just about sports. It’s about Life.

[@TiMOThy931GBO]

Life is made up of moments.Good moments,bad moments.Moments that last a minute,an hour,a day,a week, a month,a year or even longer.Make the most of every moment you get because you might not get another.Believe in yourself and keep moving forward what ever comes your way.

[@whaaat3632]

What a beautiful and wise post.

[@andydaniel2]

Glad they showed his actual first strikeout. Wouldn't have bothered me if the director would have chosen to switch to the real footage for just those pitches.

[@robertbraxton4671]

These segments are even better than the movies themselves.

[@dona3219]

Good movie,cool story.....thanks for sharing it with us

[@puterboy2]

You are welcome.

[@bruce8321]

I am Canadian and love my hockey. However I would have really loved to play MLB but unlike Morris I just was not nearly good enough. He taught those kids life lessons.

[@elizabethloera2139]

So glad I stumbled on this video!

[@davidskaar3232]

Good for dreamers and life living with goals.

[@theguitarjohnshow]

My favorite Baseball Movie

[@tonywestbrook6436]

After all this time of trying to find the real Jim Morris on video, and see footage of him playing, I checked off another bucket list. This was great to see cause Jim and I have a similar background and I appreciate seeing this vid a great deal.

[@thehaze4041]

Jim Morris and Rudy Ruettiger are true American Legends!

[@mikewest712]

Dont forget markey mark.

[@seankiesling2054]

Such an awesome story... and it wasn't a fluke... the dude threw absolute GAS.. 97-98?! That's elite level ESPECIALLY back then...everyone these days coming out the pen can for the most part live around 95-96 but in 1999 that wasnt so common While it's an awesome and inspirational story it's almost sad in a way that he was sitting in a golden ticket for so long and didn't cash it in

[@andrewlaw5628]

Good for you Mr. Morris!! Well done sir

[@levinlong4912]

Damn I'm 36..... someone get me a ball.

[@robertbishop5357]

A great movie about a fantastic story. It was about can I and closure. Both were answered.

[@francesmorales1094]

Bravo!!! Just beautiful!

[@mookie449]

Loved this movie! Great job Jimmy!

[@tzazella751]

this is what can happen when you don't give up on yourself. and i love that (flash) flaherty was catching him! i didnt know that. thanks!

[@michaelkern8856]

Impressive movie and Jim Morris is a more impressive person and speaker.

[@canero90]

I don’t play baseball I can’t hit the ball. I am a soccer player. But I love this movie The dream for many of us

[@RC-te4mt]

Outstanding story!! And my favorite movie!

[@nowar458]

Awesome! Made me cry

[@78bdhkim]

What an amazing story and great movie

[@CrookedEyeSniper]

I had misheard the word "punter", and thought they had said "hunter" and that he hunted for the local team. I thought to myself that Texas must be a naughty place for having hunting teams in college! I'm deaf in my left ear, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[@jockellis]

Our B-team baseball manager had been a pitcher in the Yankee organization, rising to AAA with the Kansas City Blues. He would throw curves in BP that started off heading to a point midway between third and home. They then broke back and headed for your knees. Did you feel lucky or jump out of the way? I couldn’t believe he didn’t make it to The Show.

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

Hey its important set goals and worked toward them,that's life,you have to visaulize yourself doing the task...focus is important getting the right start I don't know how I got on the visualization deal I just do it but it works,oh belief helps too.....see you all good luck,never give up either.

[@thegreek8962]

So glad I found this,, thanX

[@godbluffvdgg]

:)...Thanks so much for the upload!...I loved the movie...This is just as good...First time seeing the real guy...

[@tomace194]

I'm a sucker for a magical story

[@thomash.l.9382]

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@kellienicolebrooksschettin6598]

Now u guys done it...that pretty awsum...

[@albertmcfry6322]

Great story,nice man!

[@robertbohorquez6508]

i really enjoyed the movie

[@sfv6]

Best story ever!

[@jimmymccartney2049]

Music:Carter Burwell(2002)

[@junkyarddawgs9956]

My favorite movie!!!! Its a true story I guess thats why!!!!

[@bobbyjones8752]

Good movie great story

[@ShutupHollywood]

Jim Morris threw like Billy Waggener of Houston Astros as their closer. Eerily similar

[@Genman510]

Great movie ❤

[@chrisbennett2374]

Glad the movie was that accurate

[@softbalman]

Such an awesome story

[@chargerspecial]

I went to high school with Jimmy and we had a few classes together. He graduated in 82 a year before me and was on our state championship football team as a kicker, he could punt the ball farther than anybody I have ever seen. The thing about the movie that has never made any sense to me is that Brownwood is never mentioned in the movie.

[@benjaminvalenzuela3948]

chargerspecial That’s pretty awesome. I think the reason is that football didn’t fit the storyline. That’s Hollywood for ya.

[@annahutchinson]

Love this movie of Jim's dream of playing major League ball.

[@EpicMathTime]

9:50 he sounds like a long lost narrator.

[@shawnmurphy-ef9kv]

Jimmy Morris threw hard just like Nolan Ryan from the Texas rangers

[@abelincoln5698]

... except Ryan threw hard for 27 years. Not one season

[@xjcrossx]

The producer/roommate sounded jealous

[@jessramirez1737]

Yeah that dude sounded bitter for sure. “This guy wasn’t even good, wtf”

[@tacogang5083]

"One time I walked into the white house looking for a bathroom and accidentally became president" -Jim Morris probably

[@keithmauldin885]

thinking about getting my masters in photography. I had my shot in college. I mean I graduated in liberal arts. Should I go back. Teacher told me I had a passion for it. Best ever.

[@superduty4556]

Don't go into debt for a piece of paper.

[@lazysob2328]

Miraculous things happen in West Texas.

[@spooler7828]

I always wanted to be a race car driver. LOL, AT 50 it is probably not gonna happen.

[@goodnewsusa]

Great story... #dontevergiveuponyourdreams #dreamscometrue (a Disney theme movie)!

[@davea5492]

I'm 58. Hold my beer ...

[@xijinping8578]

Now Jim Morris can go on and do the Rush Limbaugh movie

[@robertharvey9047]

love

[@hanifjones4914]

I watched it and think i cried. I almost did, so i guess i did

[@BluBlu111]

Awwwww

[@Mike7911779]

It was actually Todd Zeile on First Base

[@datruth9872]

Excellence needs no commentary !