Jan. 18, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -

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Last year, it was that best-selling novelist John Grisham. This year, Head Coach Daron Schoenrock and the University of Memphis baseball program are pleased to announce that the true-life inspiration of the Disney movie "The Rookie", Jim "The Rookie" Morris will be the featured speaker for the 2008 Meet the Tigers Banquet, held Sun., Feb. 17, at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn, located at 3700 Central Avenue.

"It is a great honor for our program to have somebody of Jim's stature come and share with our Tiger baseball family," Schoenrock said. "His story of perseverance, goal-setting and hard work will not only be great for our team to hear, but also for everyone in attendance. We hope the Tiger nation will seriously consider sharing this wonderful evening with us."

Sponsored by the University of Memphis Bullpen Club, Morris' story will highlight an event-filled day that will include a clinic, cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, preseason comments from Schoenrock and an introduction of the 2008 Tiger roster. Silent auction items include memorabilia autographed by Jonathan Papelbon (Boston Red Sox), Brandon Webb (Arizona Diamondbacks), Terry Francona (Boston Red Sox), Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh Pirates), Ben Johnson (New York Mets), Mickey Calloway (Texas Rangers) Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants) and former Tigers Stephen Gostkowski (New England Patriots) and Dan Uggla (Florida Marlins).

The legendary Jim Morris is known for his rise from high school teacher to Major League pitcher at the age of 35.

The fourth overall selection of the Milwaukee Brewers in the January portion of baseball's amateur draft in 1983, Morris suffered numerous arm injuries in the minor leagues, before released in 1987. He signed, as a free agent, with the White Sox organization for 1989, but retired to become a high school science teacher and baseball coach at Reagan County High School in Big Lake, Texas after he was unable to make climb through the Chicago farm system. While coaching baseball at Reagan County, Morris promised his team that he would try out for the Major Leagues if they won the District Championship. They captured the title and Morris kept his end of the bargain, trying out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Despite his age, and several arm surgeries, Morris was clocked at 98 mph and eventually signed a pro contract with the Devil Rays at the young age of 35. After a short stint with the Class AA Orlando Rays, Morris earned a spot with the AAA Durham Bulls. After solid outings with Durham, his goal was realized when Tampa Bay gave the southpaw a chance to pitch in the big leagues on Sept. 18, 1999. Morris made his MLB debut against Royce Clayton of the Texas Rangers and in just four pitches, he struck Clayton out.

Chronic arm problems ultimately forced Morris to retire, ending his Major League career in 2000 with a 0-0 record, a 4.80 ERA and 13 strikeouts.

One of the top inspirational and motivational speakers in the country, Morris will share his legendary story of chasing his dream and keeping his promise. He will recount his rise from high school science teacher to Major League pitcher that became the basis of the film "The Rookie" that won the ESPY for Sports Film of the Year and was voted one the five greatest baseball films ever made by Sports Illustrated.

Prior to the evening's fundraiser, Tiger baseball will present "An Afternoon with Jim "The Rookie" Morris". Morris will conduct a baseball clinic at the Murphy Athletic Complex at the Park Avenue Campus at 2:30 p.m. Costs for the clinic are $15 per person or $150 per team. Space is limited to the first 180 who register. For more information, contact Memphis baseball camps coordinator Cory Barton (cbarton1@memphis.edu) at (901) 678-5041. The "Afternoon with Jim "The Rookie" Morris" clinic registration deadline is Feb. 13.

Individual tickets for the evening potion of activities are available for $100. Corporate sponsorships, consisting of a table of 10 and name recognition on the table and in the program. A private reception will be held from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets or reserve corporate tables for this prestigious event, call the University of Memphis ticket office at (901) 678-2331 or (901) 678-4573 or purchase online. Business attire is preferred.