Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite all his hard work and determination, a series of unfortunate events and injuries scuttled his career before he was twenty-five. Doctors told him he would never play again. Then at age thirty-five—after a string of highly implausible events and at an age when most players are retiring—Morris found himself on the mound as a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His return to the game was so incredible that Disney made his story into aheartwarming film The Rookie with a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid. It was released to popular acclaim and was a huge box office success. It won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002 and the CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment.
📘 Common Core Standards Touched On
🔹 English Language Arts – Reading Informational Text (Grades 6–12)
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6-12.1
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences.
→ Students can analyze Jim’s reflections on perseverance, self-belief, and growth. -
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6-12.2
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.
→ Core themes include personal growth, mentorship, adversity, and faith. -
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6-12.3
Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events.
→ Trace Jim’s transformation from a high school dropout to a Major League pitcher and motivational speaker.
🔹 English Language Arts – Writing (Grades 6–12)
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-12.2 & W.6-12.4
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas clearly.
→ Write an essay on “The Power of Perseverance” or “How Mentorship Changes Lives.” -
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-12.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences using effective technique and clear event sequences.
→ Students can craft a narrative based on a time they overcame an obstacle or achieved a personal goal.
🔹 Speaking and Listening (Grades 6–12)
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-12.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
→ Hold classroom discussions about dream-chasing, mentorship, or the impact of self-belief. -
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-12.4
Present information and supporting evidence clearly and logically.
→ Students present a mini-speech on how someone in their life inspired them or how they plan to pursue their own dreams.
🔹 College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards
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CCRA.R.2, R.3, W.3, SL.1, SL.4
Cross-cutting standards for reading, writing, and speaking tied to real-world skills and reflection.
→ These are fully demonstrated in student reflections on Jim's story and applying it to career pathways, resilience, and community impact.
🎓 Applicable Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Application |
|---|---|
| 6–8 | Focus on narrative writing, character development, and perseverance. Introduce inspirational biographical texts. |
| 9–10 | Stronger analysis of thematic elements like overcoming adversity and internal motivation. Ideal for career and life goal discussions. |
| 11–12 | Synthesis writing, personal statements for college, deeper connections between lived experience and external influences. Great for capstone or graduation projects. |
