You Gotta Believe

Bobby Ratliff, played by Luke Wilson, is a devoted father who, alongside his best friend and lawyer, Jon Kelly, co-coaches a struggling Little League Baseball team in Fort Worth, Texas. The team, comprised mostly of indifferent players, is more eager to end the season than to embrace the spirit of the game. However, a sudden turn of events strikes Bobby when he collapses during a practice session with his son, Robert. The diagnosis is grave: stage 3 melanoma. This unfortunate news sidelines Bobby from his coaching duties just as the team receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the 2002 Little League World Series.

As circumstances unfold, Jon takes the helm of the team, ignited by the belief that this could be a defining moment for the kids and their fathers. To reinforce their chances, he enlists the help of local coach Mitch Belew. With his guidance, the team’s morale begins to shift, and they start winning their qualifying matches, ultimately securing a spot in the LLWS in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Bobby endures the rigors of chemotherapy, unable to attend the games but remaining a crucial part of the team’s support system.

The journey to the championship takes a dramatic turn as Fort Worth secures their first victory, only to face a crushing defeat in the subsequent game. Tensions run high when two players collide in an attempt to catch a fly ball, leading Jon to contemplate sending the boys home. However, with the hope of Bobby’s attendance in their next game, Jon decides against it. The following match sees Jon’s son, Walker Kelly, pitch a no-hitter. The game remains scoreless, pushing into extra innings, but fatigue starts to set in for Fort Worth. Despite their valiant effort, the team falls behind after Walker allows a home run, and soon after, Robert is ruled out at home plate while trying to score the tying run, resulting in their elimination from the LLWS.

Tragically, Bobby eventually succumbs to his illness, passing surrounded by his family. Jon delivers a heartfelt eulogy at Bobby’s funeral, and in a poignant gesture, the Fort Worth team bears Bobby’s casket as pallbearers.

Fast forward to 2023, Robert, now an adult, brings his son Wyatt back to the same ballpark where his father spent so many moments. In a touching tribute, Robert reads a letter from Bobby that he received during his childhood, connecting the past with the present and imparting the values of family, friendship, and the love of the game.

Last Updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50