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WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State held its annual First Pitch Banquet on Thurs., Feb. 4 with featured speaker Jim "The Rookie" Morris.
 
Jim Morris's meteoric rise from 35 year-old high school teacher to flame-throwing major league pitcher in three months, made cinematic history with the release of The Rookie starring Dennis Quaid.
 
Morris pitched for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999 and 2000 before retiring in 2001.
 
Today, he lives with his family near San Antonio and travels the world as an inspirational and motivational speaker.
 
To learn more about Jim Morris, go to www.jimtherookiemorris.com.

The event, attended by more than 400 people, helped raise more than $50,000 for the Wichita State baseball program. It also included a silent auction featuring autographed items by Shocker baseball alumni.
Several Wichita State baseball players were honored at the banquet.  Team awards from the 2015 season were presented. 

The award winners included:
Wichita Eagle Most Valuable Player – Sam Hilliard
L.C. Harmon Most Outstanding Player – Ryan Tinkham
Professional Image Center Most Outstanding Pitcher – John Hayes
Cessna Academic Leadership Award – Daniel Kihle
Elrick and Associates Most Improved Player – Chase Williams
Merle Geist "Charlie Hustle" Award – Trey Vickers
Tom and Anne Vanderhoofven Golden Glove – Tanner Kirk
The Coleman Co. Beacon of Light Award – Gunnar Troutwine
Travis Wilson Most Inspirational Player Award – Bob Arens