keyword “The Natural One” Soundtrack. An underdog story from the early 2000s brings the Fort Worth Little League to the big screen. Film producer Houston Hills new film entitled “You have to believe“” is based on the story of the Westside All-Stars’ trip to the Little League World Series in 2002.
The history of its creation
The Westside Little League was founded in 1955 for children ages 4 to 12 from River Oaks to Como. Over 45,000 children have played in the league at Kelly Park over the past 68 years.
In 2002, the 15-member team reached the semi-finals of the Little League World Championship in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but lost 11-innings game to the Valley Sports American team from Louisville in a game that became an ESPN “instant classic.”
Hear how the now grown-up players reflect on their season in this documentary from 2022.
The big movie
Don’t tell Tom Hanks, but this baseball film may make you cry. The film tells the story of assistant coach Bobby Ratliffthe father of first baseman Robert, who attended every game despite his incurable cancer. The Westside All-Stars were the pallbearers at his funeral a few months after their famous game.
The Dallas-born actor plays the lead role Luke Wilson as Bobby Ratliff, and it won’t be the first cowtown sports movie in which Wilson makes headlines this decade. He also starred in the adaptation of “12 powerful orphans“” is about a football coach at the Fort Worth Masonic Home during the Depression. Greg Kinnear, Molly Parker and Sarah Gadon will also star as coaches Jon Kelly, Kathy Kelly and Patti Ratliff.
Patrick Renna – the actor behind “You’re killin me, Smalls” in “The Sandlot” – also occurs in the film as president of the Westside Little League.
Screenplay and direction: Texan filmmaker Ty Robertsthe film was filmed in Toronto – but look out for some scenes featuring Fort Worth.
Where can you watch?
“You Gotta Believe” hits theaters Thursday evening, August 29th.
The current Westside Little League team and 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.
Watch the film in one of the following cinemas:
- AMC CLASSIC Lake Worth 14 | Opening on Thursday, August 29, at 4 p.m.
- AMC Clearfork 8 | Opening on Thursday, August 29, at 4:30 p.m.
- Cinemark Alliance Town Center and XD | Opening on Thursday, August 29, at 4 p.m.
- Filmbar Hulen | Opening on Thursday, August 29, at 4 p.m.
- Ridgmar 13 + Xtreme | Opening on Thursday, August 29, at 4 p.m.
- Studio Movie Grill Chisholm Trail Ranch | Opening on Thursday, August 29, at 6:45 p.m.
- AMC Palace 9 | Opening on Friday, August 30, at 1:45 p.m.