You Gotta Believe 2024

Family

Sport

Box Office

$1.4M

Runtime

1 h 44 m

Language

English

Directed by

Ty Roberts

Made by

Santa Rita Film Co.

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for You Gotta Believe (2024). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of You Gotta Believe (2024) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Team Formation

Bobby Ratliff and his best friend Jon Kelly, a lawyer, co-coach a Little League Baseball team in Fort Worth, Texas. The team consists of their sons and several other players, but unfortunately, they are struggling with low motivation and interest in the sport.

Fort Worth, Texas

Bobby's Diagnosis

While practicing with his son Robert, Bobby suddenly collapses and is rushed to the hospital. The diagnosis reveals that he has stage 3 melanoma, which prevents him from continuing in his coaching role for the team.

Invitation to LLWS

In a twist of fate, the struggling team receives an invitation to play in the 2002 Little League World Series. Jon Kelly decides to take over the coaching responsibilities, feeling it is a tremendous opportunity for the boys.

Training with Coach Belew

To bolster the team’s chances, Jon invites local coach Mitch Belew to assist with training. Their hard work pays off as the team's performance significantly improves, leading them to win their qualifying games.

Bobby's Treatment

As the team progresses to the LLWS in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Bobby is unable to join them due to undergoing chemotherapy. He remains supportive from afar, hoping for the best for his son Robert and the rest of the team.

South Williamsport, Pennsylvania

First Game Victory

Fort Worth played their first game and emerged victorious, generating excitement and hope among the team and their supporters. However, in their second game, they face a crushing defeat, which dampens their spirits.

Collisions and Tension

During the second game, tensions rise when two players collide while attempting to catch a fly ball. Jon contemplates sending the boys home but decides against it, especially with Bobby managing to attend the next game.

Walker’s No-Hitter

In a tense game, Jon’s son Walker pitches an impressive no-hitter. As the game stretches into extra innings with a scoreless tie, fatigue sets in, and the team’s performance starts to wane.

Critical Home Run

As Walker tires, he gives up a crucial home run that puts the opposing team ahead. Following Little League rules, he has to be pulled from the game, leaving the team in a precarious position.

Elimination from LLWS

Fort Worth struggles to mount a comeback after being down by two runs. The final blow comes when Robert is ruled out at home plate while attempting to score the tying run, eliminating the team from the tournament.

South Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Bobby's Passing

Bobby succumbs to his battle with cancer, with his family by his side during his final moments. His passing leaves a profound impact on Jon, Robert, and the entire team, who have all admired his spirit.

Funeral and Eulogy

At Bobby's funeral, Jon delivers a heartfelt eulogy, honoring his friend and co-coach. The Fort Worth Little League team serves as pallbearers, illustrating the deep bonds formed throughout the season.

Return to the Ballpark

In 2023, an adult Robert returns to the ballpark with his son Wyatt, reminiscing about his childhood. He reads a heartfelt letter that his father Bobby had written to him, bridging the past and the present.

2023 Ballpark

Characters

Explore all characters from You Gotta Believe (2024). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Bobby Ratliff (Luke Wilson)

Bobby Ratliff is a dedicated father and Little League co-coach who battles stage 3 melanoma. His resilience in the face of his illness serves as a source of inspiration for his son and their team. Bobby embodies the spirit of determination and love, as he navigates his dual roles of parent and coach while ensuring his family's connection remains strong despite his health struggles.

👨‍👦 Father ⚾ Coach 💪 Resilience

Coach Jon Kelly (Greg Kinnear)

Jon Kelly is Bobby's best friend and co-coach, who steps up to lead the team when Bobby is unable to continue due to his illness. He is dedicated and passionate about helping the boys succeed, showcasing his commitment to both the team and his friend. Jon's character highlights themes of loyalty and friendship as he navigates the pressures of coaching.

🏆 Coach 🤝 Loyalty 🚀 Determination

Robert Ratliff (Michael Cash)

Robert Ratliff, Bobby's son, is caught between his father's battle with cancer and his own aspirations as a young athlete. His journey reflects the challenges of growing up under the shadow of serious illness and the pressure of competition. Robert's growth as a character underscores the emotional depth of family relationships amidst adversity.

⚾ Young Athlete 🧒 Growth 💕 Family

Setting

Learn where and when You Gotta Believe (2024) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

2002

The year 2002 is marked by significant cultural events and sporting competitions, making it an ideal backdrop for a story centered around youth sports. It was a time when children faced challenges in their pursuits, including health issues and the pressures of competition, which resonate with the themes of determination and family.

Location

Fort Worth, Texas, South Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Fort Worth, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its strong ties to cowboy culture and a rich history in the oil and railroad industries. The Little League World Series takes place in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, renowned for its picturesque baseball fields and as the home of young baseball dreams.

🏙️ City ⚾ Sports

Themes

Discover the main themes in You Gotta Believe (2024). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Struggle

The movie explores the struggle against adversity, both in the personal battle with cancer and the challenges faced by a youth sports team. Bobby's fight against stage 3 melanoma drives home the emotional weight of the story, reminding viewers of the fragility of life. The team's journey reflects the determination and hope found in overcoming obstacles.

⚾

Teamwork

Teamwork is a central theme as Bobby and Jon coach their Little League team through challenges both on and off the field. The film highlights the importance of collaboration not just in sports, but in life, as the boys learn to support each other and grow together. This bond is tested and strengthened, especially in the face of Bobby's illness.

👨‍👦

Family

Family ties are crucial in the narrative, showcasing the love and support that Bobby receives from his family during his illness. The generational connection between Bobby and his son Robert emphasizes the enduring impact of parental guidance and legacy. The film culminates in an emotional reunion, underscoring the importance of familial bonds.

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