You Gotta Believe, a heartwarming sports drama, tells the true story of the 2002 Fort Worth Westside All-Stars — a Little League baseball team that played their hearts out to honor their assistant coach, Bobby Ratliff, who was battling terminal cancer. Released in theaters in August 2024 and later added to Netflix in January 2025, the movie brings to life a tale of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering belief.
A True Story of Dedication and Love
The film centers on Robert Ratliff, the team’s first baseman, and his father Bobby (played by Luke Wilson), who continued to inspire the boys even as he underwent intense melanoma treatments. With the support of head coach Jon Kelly (Greg Kinnear), the team rallied together, dedicating their season to Bobby as they advanced to the Little League World Series.
Despite eventually losing 2-1 in the semifinals to a team from Louisville, Kentucky, their 11-inning match remains the longest game in Little League World Series history. It also secured their place as one of the most memorable teams in the tournament.
The Legacy of Bobby Ratliff
Bobby’s dedication to the team never wavered, often attending games despite his declining health. Though he passed away in 2003, his legacy endures. In 2007, his sons Robert and John founded the You Gotta Believe sports camp, designed to inspire young athletes to believe in themselves and their potential.
Robert, who went on to play football at Ole Miss, is now a Little League coach himself and continues to pass on the lessons his father taught him. Reflecting on his father’s impact, he shared,
"We had a lot of fun, and we learned the importance of always believing and knowing that everything and anything is possible."
The Players’ Lives Today
Two decades after their historic season, the players of the 2002 Fort Worth Westside All-Stars have built successful lives while cherishing the bonds they formed.
- Michael Valdez continued playing baseball at Texas Wesleyan University and now runs youth sports programs.
- Rand Ravnaas played at Georgetown University, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and now works in the oil and gas industry.
- Walker Kelly, after playing baseball at Texas Christian University, now works in commercial real estate.
- Other teammates have found careers in diverse fields, from engineering at IBM to working at Google, real estate, and aerospace sales.
A Story of Belief and Resilience
You Gotta Believe closely mirrors the true events of the team’s journey, though some elements were dramatized for storytelling. Former coach Jon Kelly noted that while the film portrays the team as underdogs, they were a strong group that grew better with each level of competition.
As the film’s title suggests, the story is ultimately about believing in yourself and others, even in the face of hardship. Bobby Ratliff’s unwavering spirit and the team’s dedication to honoring him remind us all that with determination and unity, anything is possible.
Their story lives on, both on-screen and in the lives they’ve built since those unforgettable summer days on the baseball field.
