The inspiring true story of a Fort Worth baseball team that made it to the Little League World Series in 2002 is now available for streaming on Netflix. You Gotta Believe chronicles the journey of the Westside baseball team, which dedicated its season to a teammate’s father battling cancer. The film highlights the team’s emotional journey, with a strong focus on first baseman Robert Ratliff and his father Bobby’s fight with melanoma.
Directed by Ty Roberts and written by Lane Garrison, You Gotta Believe portrays the team’s extraordinary 2002 season, which saw them overcome numerous obstacles and emerge as national contenders. Ratliff, played by Michael Cash, and his father Bobby, portrayed by Dallas-native Luke Wilson, were central to the story. As Bobby underwent cancer treatment, he remained dedicated to his son’s team, even missing medical appointments to support the players. His motivational phrase, “You gotta believe,” became the rallying cry that propelled the team to victory in several high-stakes games. Despite their remarkable run, Westside’s journey ended in a heartbreaking loss to Kentucky in the semifinals, but the impact of Bobby’s spirit lingered long after the final game.
The film made its world premiere in Fort Worth in August 2024, with notable stars such as Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Lew Temple, and Patrick Renna attending the event. Although set in Fort Worth, most of the film was shot in Canada due to budget constraints, with a few select scenes filmed in Fort Worth, including at the Stockyards. Following the premiere, the cast reunited with the real-life 2002 team for a special reunion game at Westside Little League. Robert Ratliff reflected on the emotional evening, holding one of his sons and reminiscing about the memories made with his father.
You Gotta Believe was initially released in theaters on August 30, 2024, and is now available for streaming on Netflix as of January 21, 2025. It can be streamed with a Netflix subscription, with pricing options ranging from $6.99 per month for the ad-supported plan to $22.99 per month for the premium plan offering Ultra HD. For those without a Netflix account, the film can also be rented for $5.99 on Prime Video and Apple TV+ and is available for purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD.
This heartfelt story not only honors a team’s athletic achievements but also pays tribute to the unyielding bond between a father and his son, offering a poignant reminder of the power of belief.
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