Cue “The Natural” soundtrack. An early 2000s underdog story is taking Fort Worth Little League to the big screen. Film producer Houston Hill’s new movie called “You Gotta Believe” is based on the story of the Westside All-Stars’ journey to the Little League World Series in 2002.
The origin story
The Westside Little League was formed in 1955 for kids ages 4-12 from River Oaks to Como. Over 45,000 children have played in the league in the past 68 years at Kelly Park.
In 2002, the 15-player team made it to the semifinals of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but lost an 11-inning game to the Valley Sports American team from Louisville in a game that became an ESPN “instant classic.”
Hear the now-grown players reminisce about their season in this 2022 documentary.
The major motion picture
Don’t tell Tom Hanks, but there might be crying in this baseball movie. The film follows the story of assistant coach Bobby Ratliff, the father of first baseman Robert who came to every game despite his terminal cancer. The Westside All-Stars served as the pallbearers at his funeral a few months after their famous game.
The movie stars Dallas-born actor Luke Wilson as Bobby Ratliff, and it won’t be the first Cowtown sports film Wilson headlines this decade. He also starred in the 2021 adaptation of “12 Mighty Orphans” about a depression-era football coach at the Fort Worth Masonic Home. Greg Kinnear, Molly Parker, and Sarah Gadon will also be on screen as coach Jon Kelly, Kathy Kelly, and Patti Ratliff.
Patrick Renna — the actor behind “You’re killin me, Smalls” in “The Sandlot” — also makes appearances in the film as the Westside Little League president.
Written and directed by Texas filmmaker Ty Roberts, the movie was filmed in Toronto — but look out for a few scenes featuring Fort Worth.
Where to watch
“You Gotta Believe” is set to hit theaters the evening of Thursday, Aug. 29.
The current Westside Little League team + community will watch a private screening of the film on Friday, followed by a two-inning game between the team and some of the film’s actors. Sign up to watch a live stream of the game.
Catch the film in theaters at one of these local spots:
- AMC CLASSIC Lake Worth 14 | Opens Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.
- AMC Clearfork 8 | Opens Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 :30 p.m.
- Cinemark Alliance Town Center and XD | Opens Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.
- Movie Tavern Hulen | Opens Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.
- Ridgmar 13 + Xtreme | Opens Thursday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.
- Studio Movie Grill Chisholm Trail Ranch | Opens Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6:45 p.m.
- AMC Palace 9 | Opens Friday, Aug. 30 at 1:45 p.m.
