The Oldest Rookie by Joel Engel; Jim Morris True Story Biography Baseball Book

Excellent used condition! All photos are mine and are of the actual item. See photos for more details. 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. FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Morris had an astounding fastball and seemed destined to pitch for a major league team, yet his career was doomed from the start. He was drafted by the Brewers, but went from their training camp back to the farm system. He developed injuries that prevented him from pitching and practicing. Morris wouldn't let go of his dream of the major leagues, however. He married, had children, and held odd jobs and continued to work at his pitching while his wife supported him. Morris eventually grew tired of the routine, went to night school and became a high school teacher and later a coach. After his formerly abysmal baseball team won the district championship, his fellow coaches and students urged him to give his dream one last chance. More than a decade after his first tryout, Morris was offered a contract by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays... While the writing is polished, Morris's voice remains genuine. He is honest and likable, not least because he recognizes his family's sacrifices for him. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.