The inspiring true story of an underdog baseball team that goes on to achieve a historic feat in the 2002 Little League World Series comes to the big screen in “You Gotta Believe,” starring Luke Wilson and Greg Kinnear.
In the film, which opens in theaters August 30, Wilson, 52, and Kinnear, 61, play Bobby Ratliff and Jon Kelly, two Little League baseball coaches from Fort Worth, Texas, who lead their team to the prestigious Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The story takes an emotional turn when Bobby is diagnosed with cancer and his son and the young players rally around him and push through to compete among the best in the country. The team not only dedicated the season to him, but also had the name “Bobby” embroidered on their baseball caps.
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In an interview with The Christian Post, director and father of two Ty Roberts said the film’s origins stem from the success of his previous project, “12 Mighty Orphans,” another sports film set in Fort Worth.
After a screening of this film, co-writer Lane Garrison was confronted with the history of the Little League team, which got the ball rolling for “You Gotta Believe.”
“Although there are many stories like this, I felt like this one really hit home and got the message across on a very deep level,” he said. “It was funny and humorous at times, but also just very touching. For me as a father, it’s important to think about our mortality and what would happen if you found out you only had a limited time left to live – how would you react? How would you raise your child, what would you teach them and what would you do?
“These were all really interesting, deep questions that I think all parents have to grapple with,” he added. “I like children’s films and sports films that you can watch and have fun with the whole family.”
Roberts also said his 11-year-old son, a sports enthusiast, played a small role in the film. “It was a wonderful journey to be on with him,” he said, adding that the film’s themes of perseverance, faith and family resonated deeply with him as a father.
“We look everywhere for good films to watch,” he said. “There are many, but there’s always room for one more. You can never have too many of these inspirational stories. A simple, inspirational film resonates well with kids, and I felt it was a good time to do it.”
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the team of young players suffered 11 eliminations on its way to the World Series and won all 11 times, making it the first Fort Worth team to make the LLWS since 1960.
Roberts stressed the importance of faith and perseverance for all people, whether they are facing a terminal illness or preparing for a major sporting event. “Whether it’s overcoming a parent’s illness or pursuing a dream like playing in the World Series, believing in yourself is key. We all need that reminder and I hope this film gives it to us,” he said.
“You have to believe in yourself first and foremost. We’ve heard and seen that a lot, but we can never get enough of it. … Confidence is just so important. I think we all draw on that; I certainly do as a filmmaker. … I hope people can go out there and have a sense of belief in themselves and others. I hope they’re inspired to go out there and do something, take on whatever challenge they take on and just keep going.”
The film also features Lou Temple, a former Astros catcher who Roberts said brought valuable baseball expertise to the set, and Patrick Renna from “The Sandlot” appears as a manager who puts Jon and Bobby in charge of the team.
Roberts told CP he hopes the film will be a classic family sports movie, just as “The Sandlot,” “Rudy” and “The Little Giants” have stood the test of time.
“It never hurts to go into a movie and come out with a lovely smile and make the audience laugh or cry,” he said. “If you can appeal to the full range of emotions, I think that really helps a movie and adds to its longevity. We hope we continue to be one of those great kids’ movies in the future.”
“You Gotta Believe” hits theaters on August 30th.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. You can reach her at: [email protected]
