Fort Worth baseball film ‘You Gotta Believe’ is now on Netflix. How the team made history
The 2024 film based on the Fort Worth baseball team that reached the Little League World Series is now streaming on Netflix.
“You Gotta Believe” tells the true story of the 2002 Westside baseball team that dedicated its season to a teammate’s dying father and subsequently reached the Little League World Series. First baseman Robert Ratliff’s father, Bobby, underwent cancer treatment during the run and died in 2003.
The film held its world premiere in downtown Fort Worth in August 2024, with stars Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Lew Temple and Patrick Renna in attendance. The film was distributed by Well Go USA Entertainment and released in theaters on Aug. 30.
“You Gotta Believe” was added to Netflix on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
What is ‘You Gotta Believe’ about?
The film follows the true story of the Fort Worth team’s journey to Williamsport, Pa., and the quest for a world championship.
While the film chronicles the team’s run, it’s heavily focused on Robert Ratliff’s family and his father Bobby’s melanoma diagnosis. Robert is portrayed by Michael Cash and Bobby is played by Dallas native Luke Wilson.
Bobby underwent cancer treatment during the 2002 season, occasionally even missing appointments to watch the team play. Westside rallied around Bobby and took his motto, “You gotta believe,” to heart.
The team faced elimination 11 times and won every game during the 2002 run. However, in the semifinal round, Fort Worth lost 2-1 to Kentucky in 11 innings.
Bobby was there for the team’s final game but died the following year, in 2003.
“You Gotta Believe” is directed by Ty Roberts and written by Lane Garrison.
While set in Fort Worth, a majority of the film was shot in Canada for budgetary reasons. A few scenes were shot in Fort Worth, including at the Stockyards.
The day after the Fort Worth premiere, the cast of “You Gotta Believe” and the grown up 2002 team reunited at Westside Little League for a baseball game. On the same field where he spent so much time with his father, Ratliff held one of his own sons and reflected on what he’ll remember most from the night.
“To get to see kids walking in and walking out with their dads and their moms,” Ratliff said. “I just pray that they all get to have their mom and their dad around for a long time, and get to make a lot of memories.”
Where is ‘You Gotta Believe’ streaming?
“You Gotta Believe” is streaming on Netflix.
A standard Netflix account with ads costs $6.99 a month, while a standard account with no ads costs $15.49 a month. A premium Netflix account, which includes Ultra HD, costs $22.99 a month.
For those without a Netflix account, “You Gotta Believe” is able to rent on Prime Video and AppleTV+ for $5.99. The film is also available on Blu-Ray and DVD.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM.
