Luke Wilson stars in film based on Fort Worth team that went to Little League World Series
A film about the Fort Worth All-Star baseball team that reached the Little League World Series over two decades ago has released its first trailer.
“You Gotta Believe” is the forthcoming film based on the Fort Worth Westside All-Star baseball team that dedicated their 2002 season to a teammate’s dying father and subsequently reached the Little League World Series. Well Go USA Entertainment is releasing the movie in theaters on Aug. 30.
Texas actor Luke Wilson is playing Bobby Ratliff, the ailing father who inspired the team and died the following year in 2003. Actor Greg Kinnear is playing the team’s head coach Jon Kelly, who still lives in Fort Worth and told the Star-Telegram last year that he was excited for the Hollywood treatment.
The full synopsis for the film reads:
“Based on the inspiring true story: after dedicating the season to a teammate’s ailing father, a group of underdogs from Fort Worth, Texas, takes its Cinderella run all the way to a record-breaking showdown in the Little League World Series.”
“You Gotta Believe” is directed by Ty Roberts, who helmed another Fort Worth-centric sports story a few years ago in “12 Might Orphans.”
In fact, several of the creatives behind “12 Mighty Orphans” have a hand in “You Gotta Believe.” Roberts and screenwriter Lane Garrison wrote both movies, while producer Houston Hill also counts credits on the pair.
However, unlike “12 Mighty Orphans” which filmed around Fort Worth, “You Gotta Believe” went into production in Canada.
The Star-Telegram reported last year that most of the filming on “You Gotta Believe” took place in Toronto, due to budgetary reasons. Originally, the filmmakers planned to film in Fort Worth but moved production north of the border after stateside funding fell through.
Fort Worth looks to be well represented in the movie’s trailer, which shows plenty of Westside branded memorabilia and a quick glimpse of the Stockyards around the 35 second mark.
“You Gotta Believe” also stars Sarah Gadon, Molly Parker and “The Sandlot” actor Patrick Renna.
The film’s Aug. 30 release date comes just a few days after the 2024 Little League World Series wraps up in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 25.
During their 2002 Little League World Series run, the Fort Worth team faced elimination 11 times and won every game. But in the semifinals, Fort Worth lost 2-1 to a team from Kentucky in 11 innings.
Many of the Fort Worth players remain in touch since the outing over two decades ago. In 2022, the team reunited on the same Fort Worth field they played at as children.
“You Gotta Believe” releases theatrically nationwide on Aug. 30.
