The inspirational story behind the movie You Gotta Believe has captivated audiences worldwide, detailing the journey of the 2002 Fort Worth Westside All-Stars Little League team. This story is about teamwork, persistence, and a father’s unwavering love. It released in theaters on August 30, 2024, just a few days after the Little League World Series. The movie honors the team’s assistant coach, Bobby Ratliff, who battled terminal cancer. Luke Wilson plays Bobby Ratliff, and Greg Kinnear plays Jon Kelly. The movie shows the team’s amazing run to the Little League World Series.
The main idea of the movie is to honor Bobby Ratliff’s life and how his drive inspired his son Robert and the team. But what happened to Robert Ratliff, Bobby’s son, after the events of 2002? How about we take a closer look?
What happened to Bobby Ratliff?
Besides being a dad, Bobby Ratliff loved baseball so much that he coached Little League with all his heart. It was his leadership that helped the Fort Worth Westside All-Stars have a great season in 2002. Poor Bobby, his life was cut short by melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Bobby was diagnosed with cancer after noticing a small dot on his arm. He was brave in the face of it and never let it change how much he loved his family and team.
Bobby Ratliff’s wife, Patti Ratliff, was always there for him and their two sons, Robert and John. It was clear how strong Patti was as she raised their kids and took care of Bobby while he was sick. She has thought a lot about how their love for each other and faith helped them get through those hard times.
Their sons, Robert and John, were only 12 and 9 years old at the time of the unforgettable summer of 2002. Because Bobby loved baseball and was always positive, he became a light for them, especially Robert, who played first base on the team.
Bobby stayed on the sidelines as an assistant coach while he went through treatments and dealt with his diagnosis. The team’s rallying cry became his strength and the powerful phrase “You gotta believe.” It wasn’t just words, it showed how much Bobby believed in hope and pushing through tough times.
There was magic in the 2002 season for the Fort Worth Westside All-Stars. To get to the Little League World Series, they had to win tournaments in their district, section, state, and region. They played Louisville in a historic 11-inning game on August 21, 2002. It was the longest game in the history of the Little League World Series. Even though they lost 2-1 in the end, their journey will never be forgotten.
Robert died on May 7, 2003, not long after the team’s historic run. He was 51 years old. While he is gone, his family and the community he helped will always remember him.
Robert Ratliff’s Journey
Robert “Rocket” Ratliff attended St. Andrew Catholic School before going on to Nolan Catholic High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. Notably, he played first base for the 2002 Westside All-Star Team, which reached the Little League World Series and inspired the name The You Gotta Believe Foundation.
Robert’s most memorable summer was bound up with his father’s battle with cancer when he was only 12 years old. Robert learned a lot from watching his father always be brave and positive while he played first base for the Westside All-Stars.
When Robert thinks back on that time, he often talks about how important it was to him that his sick father was at the baseball field. “We had most of our practices in the afternoons because everyone worked during the day,” Robert remembered. “Dad would always be here teaching us the basics of the game,”
The 2002 season was more than just a race to win; it was a chance for Robert and his father to make memories that would last a lifetime. The Little League fields were a holy place for dad and son to connect because they both loved baseball.
After experiencing the loss of his father, Bobby, in 2003, Ratliff was raised by his mother and a supportive community. Robert’s life was still shaped by the faith and persistence that his father taught him. He went to Fort Worth’s Nolan Catholic High School and was a great quarterback there, leading his team to two state football titles. He got into the University of Mississippi because of how well he did in school and sports. There, he played quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels and was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll three times.
In 2007, while still in high school, Ratliff and his brother launched the You Gotta Believe Football Camp to honor their father’s legacy and give back to the Fort Worth youth community. The organization now hosts annual camps in Fort Worth and Jackson, MS, and recently expanded to include a baseball camp in May 2024, drawing over 180 participants. The camps emphasize the importance of faith and a positive attitude, with over 3,500 kids having benefited since their inception.
Where is Westside Lions First Baseman Robert Ratliff Now?
Robert Ratliff returned to Fort Worth, marrying his wife, Natalie, in 2017. They have two sons, Wyatt and Henry. Ratliff is 34 years old now and he currently serves as Vice President of the CAC Group insurance agency while co-leading The You Gotta Believe Foundation. Robert often takes his younger son Wyatt to the Westside Little League fields, where he played baseball as a child, to share his love of baseball and remember the good times.
The traditions Robert keeps up with Wyatt show how close he was to his late father. Their favorite baseball fields are the ones where Robert used to work out with his dad. In honor of his father, Robert wears hats with the word “Bobby” embroidered on them. He is passing on the tradition to the next generation.
Robert said this about his father’s legacy: “It’s important to me because my dad died when I was 13.” This is the place where I remember my dad the most.
“You gotta believe” is still a principle that guides Robert. The words, which are now posted under the scoreboard at the Westside Little League fields, remind him of how hopeful and religious his dad was.
Also, Robert has seen a showing of You Gotta Believe and was pleased with how well it captures the spirit of his father. Robert liked the way Luke Wilson played Bobby Ratliff; he thought Wilson brought both dignity and warmth to the role. Robert said, “My dad left us a huge gift of great memories.” The activity was enjoyable, and it taught us how important it is to always believe that anything is possible.
Walker Kelly: Where is Coach Jon Kelly’s Son Now?
Where is Bobby Ratliff’s Wife?
John, Robert’s younger brother, is 31 years old. Patti, who is now 71 years old, keeps Bobby’s memory alive by telling his story and helping her sons remember their dad. She often thinks about the lessons Bobby taught their family, like how important it is to have faith, keep going, and enjoy every moment together.
Sarah Gadon played Patti in the movie You Gotta Believe. Her performance showed how strong she was in a quiet way and how much she loved her family. In interviews, Patti has said that she is thankful for the movie because it reminds her of how much love and determination her family had during those hard times.
Read More: You Gotta Believe Movie: The Real Story Behind It