Original subtitles

Come on, Walker!

Let's go, buddy!

Nice one, Jack.

Oh!

Aw, man, the popcorn.

Really poppin' throw, bro.

Dude, I know!

Is that a forced error?

His old man forced him to play ball.

Just mark it down as an error, Patton.

Hey, Jon, can we at least finish up

the season with a shred of dignity?

-That is, if you're not too busy. -Sorry,

I gotta finish all this up by Monday.

Besides, I'd say we're looking

pretty good and whupped here, right?

What are you talking about?

-We still got a chance. -Really?

Look at the score.

-I'm just being realistic. -Come on!

You don't understand numbers, Bobby.

Hey, you know I'm dyslexic.

That's true.

I mean, it's statistically impossible to win this game,

especially with this lineup.

Peter!

No sleeping in the dugout.

Gotta stay awake, Pete.

Hey, what do you want me to do?

Conjure up miracles out here?

Remember what you said to me at the beginning of the season?

That I was Yogi Berra

to your Sparky Anderson.

No, I don't.

You ever feel like you're in prison?

Ump, time!

Time? They don't even have signals.

And they're having a meeting on the mound.

Why're you calling time-out, Scooter? It's nine to nothing.

Because, you're not throwing the pitches I'm calling.

We don't have pitches.

I'm trying to get it across the dang plate.

Listen, just nick that batter where it counts, all right?

We'll get out the inning on a run limit,

and if he charges the mound,

I'll take him out like a black cur on a wild pig.

Real smart, Mitchell.

How'd that work out for you last time?

Well, coming from someone who's scared of the dang ball,

I don't think I have to answer that condescending question.

Now, I want you to throw one right at his nugget.

No, dude, you'll be thrown out of the game.

That might be a good thing.

Then you can go sit with Caroline.

I swear, Mark, I'll cram a french fry

in your earhole if you even try.

How you two came from the same parents

should be on Unsolved Mysteries.

-Focus, guys. -Hey!

This ain't helping. Get back out in the field.

Wrap it up, guys.

Yeah, that's enough with the... come on!

Your pitcher throws like a string bean flicking a booger.

-Play ball! -Come on, Walker!

Come on, Walker!

-Oh... -You, you're gone!

-It was an accident. -That's the inning.

-That was your third and final warning. -What happened?

He said Walker beaned the guy.

Aren't you gonna say something to the ump, Dad?

I didn't mean it!

All right, well, I didn't...

I don't know. G-Go sit over there with your mom.

-We'll get you a snack soon. -All right, guys.

Patton, you're up. Mark, you're on deck.

-I think it's the other way. -Mark's up. I'm on deck.

That's what I said, son. Let's go.

That's what he said. Come on, guys.

-Strike! -Good eye, Mark. Good eye.

What's he doing? What's he looking at?

-Caroline. -Who's Carol Anne?

-Scooter's sister. -Scooter's sister?

She helping him with his batting?

-Dang it! -Strike two!

He didn't even swing at it.

-What's he looking at? -I think Caroline.

Oh.

Look at the pitcher.

Strike three! You're out!

It's all right, Mark.

Talk to her after the game, meet up at the mall

or at the hamburger stand, whatever.

Don't do it in the middle of the game, doesn't make any sense.

Okay, Patton. Come on, big dog.

You got it.

You're out!

Mm. I like that bunt, though.

-Lousy bunt. -Hey. Shh.

Come on, Chris.

Let's go! Let's go!

There you go!

Ha-ha!

You can bring him home.

Just get in there, wait for your pitch, all right?

You got it.

-Come on, Robert! Get a hit! -Go, Robert!

I've been holding this rabbit's foot all season.

I'm starting to lose confidence in it.

It's okay.

Look, he's gonna get a hit right now.

Come on, Robert. You got two more.

You got this.

Ah!

Man, is he slow.

Good game!

Stupid foot.

Next time, you might want to take

the concrete out of this cleats before the game, Mom.

-Hey. -It's okay, guys.

Next time.

All right, boys. Good game, good game.

It's all right, baby!

Let's go, baby! Let's go!

Tough season. Sorry I wasn't around more,

especially considering I talked you into it.

Next season'll be different. All right?

-Deal. We'll get 'em next year. -That's the fun.

Need a ride home, Rivera?

I don't think my barrio is on your way home.

I don't mind for my star player.

Star player?

You got plenty of good players,

you just don't know how to coach 'em, Coach.

Coach. Hey.

-You got a sec? -Klifford Young.

I already paid all my Little League dues

including those late fees you tacked on.

Last game of the season.

What could you possibly need from me now?

-I got a proposition for you. -Uh-huh.

How about you manage the All-Stars,

and make a run in the Little League World Series?

Yeah, you can even take your own team.

Okay? I talked to the board.

It's your decision, being it's so last-minute and all.

Come on, what do you say?

I would say that would defy all reasonable logic

to the game.

You have a good afternoon.

No, I'm serious, Jon.

Kliff, what's wrong with you?

You get hit by a foul ball today?

I manage the worst team in the league.

I can't mess around with this.

I got work up to my eyeballs. I got mouths to feed.

Yeah, sure, there's better teams, but--

hey, not better managers, huh?

I'm a lawyer by trade, Kliff.

So I deal with professional liars day in and day out.

With all due respect, you're not one of them.

Look, nobody wants to play against select ball clubs.

To keep our sponsors,

I got to send a team to the tournament.

Come on. I'm desperate, Jon.

Hey, just call it a glorified practice.

Boys could use it.

I appreciate the offer.

I do.

My boys have lost enough for one season.

What did Kliff want?

He's trying to sell me some fancy socks

at the end of a losing season.

What kind of a dang fool does he take me for?

All right. Well, I don't know about you two,

but I'm hungry.

-Mm-hmm. -Walker, you want enchiladas?

-Whatever. -Love it. Let's do it.

How's he doing, Peanut?

Robert! You getting hot yet?

I just don't like that he's walking over the bridge

-by himself. -No, he'll be fine.

He's got that whole sidewalk over there.

Downtown looks nice.

Mom, did you see the size of that longhorn turd?

-It was enormous. -Come on, Peanut.

Let's go, Robert. Let's get home, I'm starving.

Chill out, Peanut!

-What's this? -Is that Robert?

What is he doing?

Little late for batting practice.

Needs to work on his running.

It'd take a big ol' rocket to get that boy to first base.

Keep it up, Rocket!

Peanut has a whole outfit for the barbecue.

Got an outfit? What, like some special trunks?

A Hawaiian robe and sunglasses.

A Hawaiian robe?

-You know, he wanted it. -Seriously?

Hey, don't be too hard on him.

He asked for my help,

and I'm proud that he wants to get better.

I mean, most kids, they just want to play video games

and pout after a whupping like that.

Have I told you how pretty you look today?

-No, you haven't. -It's crazy.

Patti Jean, you are the prettiest woman in all of Texas.

You know that?

Ugh. I'm going to be scarred for life.

You know,

you got an uncanny ability to be in the wrong place

and say the wrong thing.

That's what I do, Dad.

You know why I had you do that?

'Cause his batting ain't worth one of them

crusty longhorn turds?

-Watch your mouth, Peanut. -He's not wrong.

I really do suck.

You don't suck, Robert.

Stand up. Let me see your swing.

I'll say it until I'm blue in the face.

You got to step into the pitch.

Understand? You step into it and then drive through the ball.

I'm going to give you a real pitch here. You ready?

Strike one!

Why you think you missed that?

Because I took my eye off the ball?

Yeah, son, you got to keep your eyes open.

I mean, a game, it can change with just one hit.

You understand that?

I just...

I see you and I get nervous,

and every time you come back,

you just expect me to be some great player,

and I'm just not.

Listen to me.

As long as you give it everything you got,

there's nothing that either one of you

could ever do that'd disappoint me.

All right? You understand that?

All right.

And remember, boys.

Never half-ass anything in life,

because that's bullshit.

Sorry about the language.

Man, I'm hot.

Real pitch.

Coming up.

You ready?

Whoa!

Dad, Dad, Dad!

Go get Mom, go get Mom!

Mom, Mom, help!

Bobby!

Bobby? Bobby!

Bobby!

So, I think I was just kind of overheated,

and I was also dehydrated, and I hadn't eaten.

Your episode was caused

by a cutoff of blood flow to your brain.

That doesn't sound good.

No, it isn't.

Robert.

I'm afraid that you've got

an advanced form of melanoma, which is causing this tumor

to form here on the back of your brain.

Are you talking about cancer?

Yeah.

Well, that doesn't make any sense.

Bobby's healthy.

H-How could it just come out of nowhere?

All right, when you say advanced,

I mean, how far along are we talking? I mean--

Could be a few months, maybe more.

Depends how hard you choose to fight.

I'll be right outside.

Why is this happening to me?

I don't know.

What am I gonna tell the boys?

Huh?

Hey, look at me.

You're going to tell them that you're going to beat this.

Because you are.

It's that simple.

Hey, boys.

Robert, climb on down. Peanut, have a seat.

Now, you boys know how much I love you both, right?

Yeah.

Good.

Um...

I'm sick.

You got the flu?

I have a type of cancer.

Are you gonna die?

No, I'm not gonna die.

But, my body's gonna go through some changes.

Like puberty?

I've heard all about it,

and I'm definitely not looking forward to it.

No, it's not like puberty, Peanut.

The cancer's hurting my body.

And it's making me weak.

You know, I won't be able to do a lot of the things

that I was able to do before.

So you aren't gonna be able to coach us?

I just don't know.

But I'll be able to watch you play.

And there's nothing in the entire world

that makes me feel better than watching you all play ball.

Well, that makes one of us.

Now, look.

I'm gonna need your help.

-We got to be a real team here, okay? -Okay.

Mm-hmm. -Can I count on you?

Yes, sir.

Good.

-Will you give me a hug? -Yeah.

-We love you. -Love you, guys.

It's gonna be okay.

-Okay? -Okay.

Bet that tea ain't as sweet as you, Caroline.

You are not old enough to talk like that.

You're only 12.

You're too young to be this uptight.

See, the thing about the Yankees is they've won 26 titles.

1923, 1927, '28, '32, '36,

'37, '38, '39, '41,

'43, '47, '49,

'50, '51, '52,

'53, '56, '58, '61, '62, '77,

'78, '96, '98, '99 and 2000.

That's a hell of a run, guys.

And he says I'm not good with numbers!

All right, then who's the greatest player ever, Coach?

Mm, Jose Canseco.

Jose is one of the best today, that's for sure.

But the greatest of all time?

Satchel Paige.

-I mean,

he played for over five decades.

He could pitch, hit,

play infield, outfield, didn't matter.

Also, Satchel had one of my favorite quotes of all time.

He said, "There's no man

"can avoid being born average,

but no man's got to be common."

I relate to that. Because there ain't nothing

-common about me. -That's right.

You're the only first baseman scared of a baseball.

Fear can be good

if you use it to change and get better.

I mean, you can all lead amazing, uncommon lives

if you just make that choice--

Well, what I do know is, life's short

and the time,

it's always now.

Catch up with you guys later. Looking good.

I like that Hawaiian shirt. Hit it, Peanut!

Peanut!

Hi there.

What are you, daydreaming about

-fly fishing in Patagonia? -Uh, no.

I'm about as far away from those

gin-clear streams as man could be.

We had a lot of pressure back then, right?

Yep.

How many trout we were going to catch,

getting our motorcycles back to Tierra del Fuego,

-remember that? -Uh-huh.

Now all I do is worry about billable hours, Bobby.

So I can buy Walker's latest PlayStation 2 obsession.

Really, are you going to, um, let me in on your secret?

My secret?

-Bobby. -Yeah?

How do you keep these guys in line?

I swear I can't do it. They won't listen to me.

You want the harsh truth

or you want the blowin' sunshine answer?

I'll take the blowin' sunshine answer.

I got Kathy for the other.

They need their confidence built up, Jon.

You got to lead by example.

You're not even there when you're there.

You're sitting in the dugout. You got your nose buried

in legal documents and that ain't very inspirational

for a ballplayer.

Hey, you asked, man.

I like a little water with my whiskey, Coach.

And the harsh truth is, well,

I'm just a much more dynamic individual

than you are.

Babies love me, little old ladies, puppies.

Yeah.

I don't know what happened, honestly.

The older I get, the more disconnected I feel.

I don't even enjoy the fun stuff anymore.

Like baseball.

Which is why I want you

to take over managing the team next year.

You're an absolute natural, Bobby.

I need you to do a favor for me, Jon.

Yes, sir.

I need you to draw up a will for me.

You're turning 50.

I think you're overreacting a bit.

I wish I was.

Look at that.

Even in paradise, couldn't relax.

Well, it's never too late to change.

Contrary to the old dog theory, right?

Did I do enough, Kathy?

I think everyone had a good time.

No, I don't mean in the barbecue, I just mean in life.

You know, if I died tomorrow, would people say

Jon Kelly, corporate attorney,

followed rules well?

I wanted to be a defense attorney.

Can't even win a baseball game.

Sweetheart, you'll be remembered

for being a loving husband and father.

-Yeah? -And a man of integrity.

Where is all this coming from?

Bobby's dying.

He's got cancer.

Oh, my God. Poor Patti and the boys.

Made me promise to keep coaching,

said that his greatest joy is watching Robert play baseball.

Oh, my God, there's got to be something else I can do for him.

There is something you can do for him.

Take Kliff up on his offer.

You heard my conversation with Kliff?

I'm your wife, Jon.

-I hear everything. -Well, that's eavesdropping.

You got to be willing to do

whatever it takes to coach those boys.

For you. And for Bobby and-and for the whole team.

And then if you lose,

I mean, at least you've

given Bobby one last time to see his son play.

That's a win well worth taking a risk for.

Then you've done all you could.

I really appreciate you doing this for me, huh?

I'm not doing it for you, Kliff.

Yeah. Yeah.

You got ten days to whip these boys into shape,

until you face a stout University Prep team.

Get through that, and you're on to district,

then sectionals,

then regionals.

Where I guarantee you will face Weatherford,

and the most recruited pitcher

ever to come out of Little League.

Hunter Dixon.

Strike!

They say he's the next Nolan Ryan.

Get through all that, and it's on to Williamsport, huh?

-Whoo! -Yeah, sounds simple enough.

Yeah, simple isn't really the word

I would use to describe it,

but, hey, really glad to see your confidence is improving.

That's what we're going for.

Okay. Hey, we're good.

Yeah. Go, team!

What are we doing out here, Walker?

Beats me.

Dad just said get our butts to the field.

That it was double-dog important.

You all ready for some conditioning?

Conditioning? For what, Coach? Our season ended last week.

Your season is just about to begin, Rand.

You boys have been selected

to represent the Westside All-Stars,

-Little League World Series, Williamsport. -Pennsylvania.

That's right. That's right.

Guys, that's the dream of every red-blooded

American boy who's ever played baseball.

-Darn right. -The All-Star team?

-Yeah. -Yep.

It has been pure magic,

the kind that Little Leaguers

from around the world dream about all summer.

But we're awful.

-Huh? -Man, shut up.

-We're just kind of awful. -We're playing one stupid game

because Robert's dad is dying.

He's not dying.

He just has cancer.

Hey, Walker, I'll deal with you later, all right?

I apologize.

Everybody eavesdrops in my house.

You're going to croak, Mr. Ratliff?

We all croak.

Dad says the only sure thing in life is death and taxes.

What do you mean, taxes?

It's money the politicians steal to fly on private jets to Vegas,

and party with mobsters.

-Where do they get this stuff? -I have no idea. Guys--

Maybe I should consider politics.

-What's a mobster? -Just zip it, all right?

Don't worry about it, Scooter.

Tell them, Dad, you're not dying.

The truth is,

I don't know.

But I am starting treatment to get better.

And that's what you all need to do, too.

Get better. But...

on the field. You got a real chance here

to play in the Little League World Series.

I mean, that's a dream Coach Kelly and I have had

-since we were your age. -Kids.

You got a chance to prove

to everyone that you're All-Stars

and you can compete against anybody.

What do we need to do, Coach?

Don't look at me. Talk to Coach Kelly.

Coach Kelly, what do we need to do?

Listen, Coach Ratliff is going to go get himself better,

so he's not going to be around much.

Aw, come on.

I know I haven't been a hundred percent focused

on this ball club.

Things are different now.

We're just all going to have to work together.

We're going to have to build some trust

because in ten days

we're playing those guys over at University Prep.

You know those guys, they all wear

new socks to every game, put mousse in their hair.

They style their hair.

You seen their hair over there? Come on.

And if we want to beat these guys,

we're going to do it through conditioning.

What?

What do you know about conditioning?

No body-shaming, Mitchell. All right?

That's right. We celebrate all shapes and sizes,

fat dudes and skinny dudes. We love them all.

Anyway, it's your dad who's going to do it.

You all know Master Sergeant Belew, don't you?

All right, let's get our rears in gear.

Get those cleats laced up as if you were

heading into battle, because you are.

If you want to outplay,

outrun and crush the enemies,

then this is what you will have to do.

Get those little matchsticks you call legs in shape

so that you ride like the wild mustangs across the prairie.

All right, everybody, line up, line up.

Everybody line up.

Let's go, let's go, let's go.

-Let's go, boys! -Move it, move it!

All right, gentlemen. On my go, we are going to run

foul pole to foul pole in under 40 seconds.

One of us fails, we all fail and we'll do it again.

Go!

Where was that speed all season?

Well, Rand never got a hit, nor was he on base.

-So we never saw him run. -Go, go, go, go, go!

Come on, Mitchell! Second place is first loser.

-Let's go! -I don't get it.

I'm fast. You're fast, right?

-Yeah. -How's he so slow?

-Oh, it's your mom. -You look like a bunch of

geriatrics running from the funeral home. Pick it up!

The retirement home!

-You have all weekend, Coach? -I don't!

He does not have all weekend. Let's go!

Let's go! Move it!

Come on, Rocket!

-Come on, Rocket. -Let's go, guys!

Robert, come on, you can do it!

And, time!

39.8.

Way to go, Robert!

Not bad. Right?

All we got to do now is learn how to hit,

catch and throw and I'd say

we're looking pretty good, Coach.

Well, we're a tiered program here, Coach.

Yeah. Brings tears to my eyes.

Sorry Walker put you on the spot.

It's all right. Needed to be said.

Finish that thing I needed?

-Yep. -Thanks.

You're not going to need it.

Well, better to have it and not need it.

Well, no need to have it if you're not going to need it.

Can I get this from you?

Thank you.

Made sure your fly rod stayed in the best of hands.

Just focus on getting better.

I am.

Hey, Rocket.

Good job there tonight.

Dad, why is everyone calling me Rocket?

I think it's called sarcasm.

It's a compliment, son. Rockets are cool.

Stop, turd!

Hey, stop, enough!

-Fart face. -Log muncher.

Hey, Stat Master.

You ever thought about using some of that

infamous statistical analysis from your gambling days

on your own players?

Ever thought about that?

See you, Jon.

Last will, huh?

Yeah, I mean, it's obviously got

a lot of legal talk in there, but--

We're using our savings for treatment.

End of story.

Good night.

As the one-year anniversary

of September 11th approaches,

it has been a year of trying to get back to normal.

Please, God, don't take me away from my family.

Why would God take you away, Dad?

Robert, what are you doing up?

Can't sleep. Too sore,

and Peanut's snoring like a woodchipper again.

Come here.

Well...

Why would God let you be taken away, Dad?

You didn't do anything wrong.

I don't know why, Robert, but I do know that,

well, in life,

you have good luck and bad.

And me getting sick...

it's just bad luck.

What happens when you die?

Well...

I hope I get to go to Heaven.

What do you think happens?

I don't know.

You can't see Heaven.

Well...

But, I think we just have to trust that there's something

really beautiful and peaceful

on the other side of all of this.

Like, I believe I can actually hit the baseball?

That's right, my man.

And you can hit a baseball.

I've seen you do it.

I see you getting better at it.

What are you doing?

I know what you're going through with Peanut.

I went through the same thing with your uncle.

You know, it's like trying to sleep

in the pit of a NASCAR race. I get it.

What you're gonna want to do is take these,

you twist them up,

jam them in.

Yeah, like that. Twist it. Got it?

-Can you still hear me? -Kinda.

All right, well, push them in further.

I'd eventually just go sleep on the porch.

Or, you know, I'd think about maybe

moving down the street, staying with the neighbors.

-Really? -It's up to you.

Come on, Mikey.

Don't be afraid of it.

Let's try it again.

You know, you're supposed to open your glove

to catch the dad-gum ball!

Easier to put a fried egg in a flapjack!

She ain't gonna, what?

Eat my chimichangas, Scooter!

At least you got pads on!

Hey. Actually, I'll tell you what, come here.

There we go, sorry. Glasses.

What in the name of Baby Ruth are you doing, Coach?

Baby Ruth's a candy bar. Babe Ruth's a pitcher.

That's a position you would not excel at.

I'll tell you what, we're gonna put you out at first base.

All right, Scooter? Off you go.

Mikey!

Come on, Mikey, let's go!

-You ready? -Yeah.

All right, son. Just watch the ball.

Stay with me.

There you go. Hey, try one with your eyes open.

Hey, Mikey. You're a natural!

Ain't no man gotta be common, Coach.

Especially with pads.

-We got a catcher! -All right, Mikey!

Thanks.

Because we have to attack it so aggressively,

side effects are going to be pretty powerful.

Okay.

-Yeah. -Thanks.

Will you still love me if I'm not all...

you know, ripped up and muscular like I am?

What? I didn't marry you for your physique.

What?

I married you for your money.

Oh, right.

Come on, Scooter Booter!

Try it again, Mitch.

Scooter, is it that hard?

Shortstop!

All right, shortstop to first!

All right, Rocket!

Scooter, Scooter, Scooter.

-Scooter! -Bring it in, boys!

-Come on in here. -What in the name of Willie Mays

are you doing now, Coach?

I love Willie Mays.

Listen, buddy boy, I'm about to give you a promotion.

All right? You're gonna play, uh...

Actually, go to thir--

No, no, no. Uh, tell you what.

Go take a break in the dugout.

Hey, don't look at me like that.

Got a Baby Ruth bar in there for you.

Robert! First base, buddy!

Hum baby, here we go!

Nice!

Nice catch there, Rocket!

All right, Patton!

Go, go, go!

Robbie, coming to you now!

That's it!

Yes! Let's go.

Dang, Coach. That infield's

looking as solid as a beaver dam.

Well done. Give the outfield a shot?

Fire away.

Here we go, outfield!

Whoever misses one drops and gives me 25.

Let's go. Here we go!

Oh, shoot.

You good, Jack?

Oh, God.

Jack. Jack, you all right? J-Just sit there.

Is he all right?

How many fingers am I holding up?

One. Two.

-Yeah, he's all right. -Technically,

he didn't drop it. It dropped him.

I'm going!

Bottom of the sixth.

He readies the pitch.

Throws.

Pop fly to right field and--

Well, that was impressive.

What are you doing in the hood, Coach?

I'm taking a stroll.

-Really? -Well...

Might be doing a little recruiting.

I'm done playing for you.

I don't want anything to do with you and your All-Stars.

Hey, don't waste your talent, Chris.

You're one of the best ballplayers

I've ever had the pleasure of coaching.

I'm working now, saving money for college.

I'm not wasting nothing.

Hey, you got something every one of those boys

would give every penny they got for.

You got a gift. Get you a full ride to college.

And what you said last week about me

not knowing how to coach, I didn't see the talent

I have standing right in front of me. I do now.

You might want to wash that apple.

Mark Grace, what are you doing, young man?

Quit fussing with that muskrat on your head

and get up there and hit.

This is batting practice, not a beauty contest.

Let's go. Yeah?

Mark, come here.

What do you think a girl is looking for in a boy?

Good looks. Charm and humor.

Some of the most beautiful women in the world

are with some of the ugliest sons of guns

you've ever seen. You know why?

Because they're successful.

If you can just sacrifice a few seconds

out of your day to focus,

you might just get yourself some.

Let's go.

Heads up!

Mark, you jerk!

That didn't work very well, Coach.

At least she knows my name.

That pop fly out's gonna cost you.

-How you doing, Mikey? -Let's go, Scooter.

Damn it.

Shut up.

I feel like I'm right on it, Coach.

A blind man could have hit that baseball, son.

Let's go, Scooter.

Hey, Scooter, take your glasses off.

But I won't be able to see.

You're not seeing anything now.

Hold my glasses, Coach.

All right. Good luck.

Here we go.

-Oh, yeah! -Whoo, Scooter!

Nice work!

Nice one, Scooter!

Well done.

You guys, not so much.

Keep those glasses off.

Anybody but Robbie would have caught that.

Easy out, Scooter Booter.

Says the guy who looks like he's taking a crap at bat.

Scooter, you want your glasses?

Keep 'em!

Rand.

I've told you a hundred times, you got to stand up.

Not good. Good.

And your right hand, your strong hand,

goes over your left hand.

What? My right hand isn't my strongest.

-My left is. -But you throw right.

-I'm ambidextrous! -Okay, okay.

-Ambi-what? -Means you don't eat.

That's why he's so dang skinny.

That's anorexic, you pinhead.

Well, since you're so smart, Eisenhower,

why can't you learn how to throw the dang ball?

All right.

All right. Stand tall now.

Hey, hey, hey. That's good.

Not bad, Rand. Come on, now.

Now, just loosen your hands a little bit, all right?

Loosen the grip.

Whoa!

Coach, I'm sorry.

-It's all right. -All right.

That's enough hitting today.

Dad, are you okay?

Boys.

His medicine makes him nauseous.

As long as he keeps taking it, he's going to be fine. Okay?

He's going to be okay.

I mean, with all due respect, Mitchell,

I think your dad's a complete jerk.

Man, what do you mean? He's just strict.

...Caroline in the stands.

Of course he's not gonna be nice to you.

She's not even looking at you.

-Oh, that's cool. -Wait, what did you do?

Are you excited about the game on Friday?

'Cause I'm really worried.

Man, that Duke guy, I just want to punch him in the face.

What cards you guys looking for?

Uh, Alex Rodriguez.

Barry Bonds.

You know who I really want?

I'm not giving it to you.

What did you say you were looking for?

Well, well, well. If it ain't Peter Pan

and the B-League Loser Boys.

You mean the C-League Dingleberries?

Hey, I didn't know the King Turds of Crap Island

were allowed on this side of the track.

What, did your nanny drop you off?

Nah, she's at home with your mom cleaning our toilets.

And Robert's mom was sewing holes in my underwear.

You want to know what's about to happen, Dukey?

You're about to get my skid-marked underwear

-crammed down your throat! -Mitchell, stop!

They're not worth it!

Listen to your handler, hillbilly.

Unless you want to lose more teeth.

You know what? I'll fart

in your general direction, thank you.

Well, I'll fart in your Cap'n Crunch.

I bet you don't even have a Ricky Mantle card.

Are you an idiot? It's Mickey Mantle.

Oh, yeah. Him, too.

-God, you're dumb. -Get ready for

a beatdown Friday.

Best get home to Mr. Rogers.

If Mr. Rogers was their neighbor, I bet he'd move.

Idiots.

That's the weirdest bike

I've ever seen!

Coming through!

Where are the old ones, guys?

Good to see someone still cares

about the spirit of baseball.

What else in life is there, Sam?

Well, these sons of guns are about to cancel

a whole dang season 'cause they want more money.

What? No baseball?

Only games I'll be watching this year will be y'all's.

A run at the Little League World Series.

You're better off watching two monkeys

ride a football, Sam.

You ever shut up, Peanut?

You ever throw strikes, or just walks?

-Walker. -Guys!

-Stop. -Hey, hey, hey. Boys.

Having issues on the bump, son?

If controlling where the ball goes is what you mean by issues,

then he's cataclysmic.

Okay, season's that bad.

We finished last.

But we've been reborn, Sam.

We're the Westside All-Stars now.

And we got a game against those pinches from University

on Friday.

I ain't think none of us got a good feeling about it.

Okay, well, listen,

every baseball player

and every team goes through slumps.

Y'all got to think about

why are you playing baseball anyhow? Is it to win?

Ain't done much of that this year, but you keep playing,

so it's got to be something else.

Because it's fun?

Because it's fun. That's right.

Come on. This is Little League baseball.

It should be fun.

You can't always count on winning.

But you can always count on one another.

Y'all are a team now. And that makes you brothers.

You know what y'all need?

Y'all need something to rally behind as a team.

Something you care about.

A goal,

a-a war cry, a battle song.

I don't know, something...

Something that lights a fire in you.

-I think he's right. -Yeah.

-Yeah. -I know I'm right.

-Now who wants to buy something? -Alex Rodriguez.

Because if you don't, you got to leave.

Aw, man. Where'd the bubblegum go?

-Not bad, but not great. -That's not bad.

Still no Ichiro rookie?

This is like my 300th pack.

I've given up it even exists.

Why do you like Ichiro anyway?

He's the fastest around.

I got an Alex Rodriguez.

-Really? -Yeah.

My Ichiro. But he hits homers.

-Best in the game. -Mexico,

DR, Puerto Rico?

The best baseball players are always Latino.

But that guy's from New York.

But the Latino part.

So what happened to you, Valdez?

Well, you're one to talk, Peter Pan.

Jack's been on base more than you.

Guess I'm in a slump.

Man, we're all in a slump.

It's like Sam said, need something to rally around,

you know, and I ain't talking about no sweet Caroline.

Shut up, man.

Rally around your grandma.

I got something to rally behind.

My dad. Well, our dad.

We have a chance to give him his dream and ours.

We get to go to the Little League World Series.

That's a good reason, isn't it?

And watching us play is the only thing

that makes him feel better.

It's true.

No matter how bad y'all suck,

he still loves watching.

And if we could just win,

win for him, I know he could get better

and he can actually beat this, guys.

Bobby's always been there for us.

Now it's time we're there for him.

Come on, boys. I got an idea.

How dumb do you have to be

to put the wrong year on all the contracts?

You know, that's embarrassing. The client caught it

before it was filed in court.

-I understand, Dan. I-- -Jesus.

I am sorry. Okay?

It was a clerical error.

I've just, I've had a lot on my mind.

I just overlooked the damn thing.

Oh, yeah? Have you?

Well, apparently, who's playing outfield

is mighty important.

I've given 20 years of my life to this place.

-I've given everything here. -If this is everything,

Jon, you can forget about ever making partner here.

I mean... it's laughable.

What?

Mr. Kelly, your son is here.

I didn't know it was "bring your kid to work" day.

Well, your father never found fault with that.

My daddy founded this firm,

but I'm the head honcho now.

You want to run with the big dogs,

you can't pee-pee like a puppy!

I guess he's as crappy a lawyer as he is a coach.

Why do you let him talk to you like that, Dad?

How can I help you, son?

We have an idea for the game on Friday.

We want to talk to you about it.

Come on in.

That's it, that's it. Come on.

-Whoa. -Heads up, Mitch.

Seems like we might

want something stronger out there in center field, right?

-Rand's got some wheels on him. -I think Rand

will be okay in center.

It's not really him I'm worried about.

Focus!

-Yo, what was that? -What are you doing, man?

My bad. Sorry.

Just say it, Coach.

-It's Walker. -Yeah?

I mean, he-he's got a good arm.

-Yes, he does. -There's no doubt about it.

It's his control. Not so much, you know?

-Geez, Walker! -Gotta be more careful.

You're gonna hurt somebody.

Sam Knight.

He pitched in the big leagues, you know.

-I know. -See, the trick is how

to get a batter to swing at a nasty pitch like that.

What are you doing here, Sam?

Thought I might have some tricks to show you still.

If you're interested, that is.

Do rat farts smell like cheese?

Well, I guess they might.

Let's work on that delivery.

Go, Robert!

-Get a hit Robert, let's go! -Sam Knight is gonna coach him?

Come on, let's go, Robert!

You got this!

Dang.

-What was that? -Well, that was a heater.

But I need you to stop focusing on the batter.

Start honing in on the catcher's glove.

I can't aim, Sam.

Son, you've been given a golden arm.

You just don't have your fundamentals down.

Your landing foot is out and your balance is off,

which is why you look like a monkey

trying to ride a football.

Heh. That's what I told him.

I like how you've been pitching from the stretch.

But I want you to pick your pocket,

lift your leg, and drive through the plate.

See how everything was in sync,

from my landing foot to my follow-through,

all one motion.

You just got to breathe and stay calm.

I mean, hey, what's the worst thing that could happen?

I give up a hit or a home run.

Oh, kid, every pitcher gives up a homer.

Lord knows I gave up my fair share.

You got to shake it off.

Focus on what the next pitch is going to be.

I only have one pitch, Sam.

Well, then, I'll tell you what.

You get this,

I'll teach you a pitch so nasty

it'll make a batter spin out of his cleats.

Maybe we should call you Rocket.

That's what I'm talking about.

Here.

Thanks.

I'm all right.

Trust me, not much more can come out.

Okay?

-You're all right? -Yeah.

-Hi. -Kathy.

I can come back.

No, come on in.

-Oh, you sure? -Yeah.

I imagine what's in the box needs to be sewed?

Yeah, it's-it's for the boys.

Well, it's already been embroidered.

Well, they have, but...

Jon and I thought it'd be nice

if we put Bobby's name on the side of the hat,

you know, dedicate this... this final game to him.

It's not going to be his last game.

We don't need you or anyone coming by

with food or gifts or hats like we're a damn charity case.

Oh, uh, I didn't mean his last game ever, Patti.

I... Oh.

Yeah, it was a stupid idea.

Um...

Sorry I brought it up.

Kathy, wait.

I'm sorry.

It's been a roller-coaster week.

Sweetheart.

Listen, not many people know this, but...

a couple of years ago,

I was diagnosed with breast cancer,

and I had a mastectomy,

and even though they got it all,

I have lived with

really debilitating fear

that it'd come back every day.

I'm so sorry. I had no idea.

You remember that last-minute trip we took to London?

We were in Houston, at MD Anderson.

I've had to live with that fib

and these damn socks

in my bra for years now.

You're not alone in this fight.

How'd you get through it, Kathy?

I realized every day was a gift.

This nutty old world is unpredictable, darlin'.

And that's why you got to carpe diem.

You know? Just like that Ethan, hunk of a boy, said

in that whatever poetry movie it was,

and laugh. See, you got to laugh.

Laughter is like Prozac,

without the side effects.

And he may not want to

at first, but you got to keep him

on a regular schedule.

-Oh. -You know what I mean?

No, releasing tension works wonders.

She does have a point there, honey.

-Oh, Bobby. -Hi, Kathy.

-How're you doing? -I'm all right, sweetheart.

-How are you? -Good. What's in the box?

-Hats. -Perfect timing.

Keep that good advice coming.

You know I will.

You got a drink?

You went to Paschal, right, Larry?

You know I did. Panthers all the way.

-You had a Corvette. -Coach.

That's right.

-Hey, Coach. -Hey.

-Coach. -Hey.

You must be the guy that's dying.

I was so moved when I saw the hats.

Real bummer, man.

You might want to rub that sunscreen in.

You might scare the kids.

-Do I have sunscreen on my face? -Uh, you look great.

He's not dying, Mack.

Ooh-hoo-hoo! What a relief.

I'm just glad it's regular cancer.

Live strong, amigo.

Hey, when you pull your socks that high,

why not just wear pants?

I told you, I got spider veins on my calves,

and I like the wind on my knees.

Yeah, Coach Hamilton,

perhaps I can get your lineup now

so we can actually play some ball.

That'd be nice.

It's hard enough with only 14 elite players.

I do not know how I would manage if I only had 11 bean poles.

Make that 12 bean poles.

That's Rivera, our center.

Rivera!

Sorry I missed training camp, boys.

Had to renegotiate my contract.

He's going to bat last, Ravnaas moves out to left.

We playing musical chairs?

Why don't we get this scrimmage going?

You do realize this is an official game, right?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I-I know it is, for us.

But for y'all, it's like a scrimmage.

You know what I mean? One and done.

Just having fun.

Good luck, Coach.

It's like everything he said rhymed.

I do not like him.

I liked him.

-Coach, Coach, good luck. -Okay.

Hey, thanks, Jon.

I mean, I can't tell you how much this means.

Don't thank me, it was their idea.

Boys, gather round.

Coach Ratliff's got something to say.

Welcome back. Good to see you guys.

I realize I've known most of you

since you're about that tall chasing T-balls around.

But I think of you as more than just Robert's friends.

I think of you as part of our family.

I'd do anything for my family.

And I know you want to win this game for me,

but I want you to play to win for each other.

When I was your age,

I didn't have much.

But as I grew a little older,

I realized the most important thing I got

is what I give.

So give it your all. Focus.

Anticipate, communicate with each other.

That's a team. So let's get out there.

Let's keep the dream alive.

-All right, guys? Come on. -Come on, guys.

-Bring it in here. -Come on, boys.

Yeah! Bobby on three!

One, two, three, Bobby!

Mitchell, you're up. Jack, you're on deck. Let's go, boys!

Hey, Shirley Temple.

You ready to get bombed and buried

like your friend's sickly dad over there?

Down!

Look at him!

Shut up, Mitchell! Stop!

Play ball!

You deaf? Let's play ball.

Is that my fart?

Or you that smells like hot dog water, Dukey boy?

-Shut up. -What an idiot.

Go, Mitchell!

Hey! What was that?

-You're out of here! -What?

-What?! -Throw him out!

You are clearly playing favorites!

He ain't even warmed up yet, you fat, blind mole!

One more word!

Mother scratcher!

-You're out of here! -What?!

You can't be serious!

I am serious, Mack!

It must be a real bummer!

-Don't you walk away from me! -Hey!

Off of my field!

Still don't get it with the socks.

Get off my field now!

You can't even see the field!

Someone help this guy find his car in the parking lot!

You tell me, how did a big, fat, blind mole

get full of so much bull crap?

You need another pitcher out here to warm up

and definitely a new coach!

Good job, Mitchell. You all right?

I'm fine, Dad. I'm fine.

Want to see my new strategy getting on base?

You get on base,

and I'll buy you a milkshake with a french fry on top.

You got yourself a deal, man.

Let's bring a batter up here! Let's go!

Get on the ball, Jack!

All right, look for a good pitch.

What's going on?

Good eye!

One more, one more.

Ball.

Hey, milkshake well deserved, Jack!

The Jack Attack is back! Here we go, all right!

Maybe I should get braces.

Chicks don't dig braces.

They dig guys who hit bombs.

Come on, Mark!

Oh, oh-oh!

You're out!

That was more like a grenade.

And keep your eyes off my sister.

Here we go, Scooter.

Come on, Scoots. Come on.

Run, Scooter! Run!

Chin up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up!

Right there. Right there. Good job.

-Dang it! -Nice try there, Scooter.

Thanks.

We got two out now.

Hey, Robert, step into it.

Step into it.

Come on, now!

Go, Robert! Get a hit!

Come on, Robert!

You're going on anything, Jack! Two out!

All right, Robert! Let's go!

Come on, get a hit!

Strike!

Strike two!

Home run!

-Go! -Go, Robert! Run!

I told you the only one getting buried today was you, Dukey!

Rocket! Rocket! Rocket!

Dukey.

-Hey, Doc. -Bobby.

When will we know if the chemo knocked it all out?

Get our test results back next week,

and then we'll know what direction to go in, if any.

-Great. -In the meantime,

you two enjoy your weekend.

And good luck against Hunter Dixon.

Oh, yeah. Kid throws some heat.

Even Doc knows about this Hunter Dixon.

-Hey. -Hey.

-What you doing? -I'm just cleaning the pool.

I can see that.

So what's wrong?

What makes you think something's wrong?

Sweetheart, you haven't cleaned the pool in 15 years.

Well, I'm going to start.

The pool guy leaves all this crap

-in here-- -Jon.

Just to be so close, you know?

And then you throw in Bobby's health issues,

and the whole thing's just gut-wrenching.

We haven't even played Weatherford yet.

And you're preparing to lose?

I'm not doing this, Kathy.

All right? I'm-I'm a realist.

What? We've had a remarkable run, okay?

We have. I'm proud of these kids,

but we don't have a team that can face this pitcher.

I'm so sorry, Jon.

Thank you.

I mean, you might as well give up now.

I mean, why waste your energy on the game at all?

I know. I mean, I--

We have to play the game Saturday, obviously, but--

Hey!

What-- What on earth are you doing?

Letting you drown in your sorrows.

Don't talk to me about being a realist.

You've already done the unimaginable

with this team, Jon.

The unexpected can happen.

And even you can't predict that.

Kind of nice in here!

-Good luck, Coach. -You, too.

Hey, you...

You don't have Hunter Dixon listed on here.

Yeah, that's because he decided

he was too good for Little League.

Yeah. Signed with the, uh, Junior Selects yesterday.

Yeah, said he needed to spend more time on his endorsements.

Endorsements. He's 12 frickin' years old.

What's he going to endorse, Legos?

So you, you don't--

What?

What is... Does Jon feel okay?

I think he's finally lost his mind.

Good luck, Coach!

Mm!

What was that?

Boys. Good news and bad news.

Bad news is, I don't think I should've eaten

that shrimp po' boy extra spicy for lunch.

But the good news is,

you all aren't facing Hunter Dixon today.

Why, Coach?

'Cause you boys scared the britches out of him.

Instead, we are going to face

Plymouth Harold Shankman

-the Third. -Third?

-There's three? -That's right.

Oh!

Strike!

Strike three, you're out!

We're going to the World Series!

Hey there, handsome.

I've looked forward to this day for a long time.

Why? 'Cause you're in the dumb paper?

Oh, Dan.

You really are impossible to underestimate.

I think you're just a nepotistic old fool

who rules out of fear and a perpetual ignorance.

But honestly now, I don't think you should worry about it.

I just think it's genetic.

Now, I am leaving this firm today

and I'm bringing Helen with me. She thinks you're a dork, too.

But I want to say, good luck.

Here. In all your misery.

-Adios. -Oh, yeah?

Let me ask you something. What are you going to do

when your ego comes crashing back down to Earth

after baseball season, huh?

Don't come crawling back here

asking me to hire you again, all right?

'Cause I will fire you!

Fire this golf club.

"Major League Baseball might be in shambles.

"One team that's not is the Little Leaguers from Fort Worth

that have given baseball fans a new lease on life."

"This gritty group of 12 players

"rolled into the Little League World Series

for the first time in 42 years."

We're officially famous.

What else does it day, Scooter?

"This team is motivated by more

"than just a desire to win.

"The boys have a name

"embroidered on the side of their rally caps.

"Bobby, the first baseman Robert Ratliff's father,

Bobby Ratliff, who has..."

Just read it, Scooter.

"...who has terminal melanoma."

First rule about being a celebrity.

You can't ever trust the press.

How would you know, Mark?

Well, Valdez, this ain't my first dance with fame.

When were you ever famous?

Last year's science fair,

when the news came to interview me.

Mark, what do you mean? They interviewed Edgar, who won.

Volcanoes have been done millions of times before,

and I thought to do something new.

This one night, I seen it in my dreams

with plates and friction.

Thank you so much.

-You're welcome. -You was just standing

behind him like a chucklehead.

You noticed me.

And so did everyone else.

Probably even Caroline.

I swear, Mark, I will cram that french fry

in your earhole.

Okay, look, look.

He's right, Rocket. It's just a story.

Don't listen to them. They don't know

how good your dad's doing.

Can I get your autograph?

Sure.

What? Second rule of fame.

You never sign anything for free.

He'd be happy to sign.

You got any more of that, um, bubblegum?

-Yeah, sure. -Awesome.

-You can keep it. -Here you go.

-Thank you. -Works like a charm.

Hey, give me some of that.

Keep it down.

Coach Belew's a jerk.

Okay, I got us on the first flight out in the morning.

Gets us in at 9:00,

boys play Massachusetts at 12:00,

so that gives us time to get there

and then get to the field.

That's great. Thank you, darling.

Bobby!

I'm just checking your vitals.

Hey, I know what I'm doing.

Hey, Doc.

I hear congrats are in order.

Your son's team's all over the news.

You must be very proud.

I feel great.

I feel like I'm finally starting to,

you know, kind of turn a corner.

Yeah, his energy and his spirits are up.

That's great,

'cause I'm going to need you to keep that energy up.

Your tests showed that

the chemo prevented the tumors

from getting any larger, which is fantastic.

Good.

But it didn't prevent

the cancer from spreading.

So where do we go from here?

Well, three options.

We do surgery, attempt to remove the tumors

from around the lymph nodes

and continue with another round of chemo.

Or there's radiation.

Eliminate all that we can.

And the third?

You spend as much time as you can with your family.

-When would we do the surgery? -Immediately.

I'd admit you today

and we'd prep for it first thing in the morning.

I'm not going to miss the game.

-Bobby. -Yes?

Why don't I give you two a minute to discuss this?

I don't want to be sitting in some hospital bed

racking up debt for you, hoping for the best,

when it would mean more to Robert that I'm there.

And besides that, I mean, I'm the team mascot.

I'm their good luck charm.

It's just a game, Bobby.

But...

Patti, it's more than that.

It's the Little League World Series.

It's the most important thing that's ever happened

to these boys. It's unbelievable what they've done.

If they can beat the odds...

so can I.

These are odds that you can't beat.

You won't get another pitch to even swing at

if you don't do this.

The sun is shining brightly

on Little Leaguers around the world.

16 teams have traveled to the Field of Dreams

in Pennsylvania,

where they will compete in the 2002

Little League World Series.

Two pools of eight teams

will compete in pool play,

where winners of the national

and international brackets

will compete in the Little League

World Series championship game.

They are travel weary, but are quickly

caught up in the excitement of realizing a dream.

For the next two weeks,

these boys will call this place home.

Williamsport is ready.

Play ball!

Let's go, boys!

Welcome to Williamsport, boys.

Mitch Belew, Fort Worth, Texas.

-We're glad to be here. -Glad to have you.

Let's go get you registered and get your uniforms.

You'll be sharing a dorm room

with the world champions from Japan.

-This is Coach Takahashi. -Coach Tagashi.

-Takahashi. -Oh.

-Tagashi. -Takahashi.

Let's just do "Coach," how's that?

Latinos, of course.

-The best around. -And those Harlem dudes

-sure are coordinated. -And fast.

Can't imagine what their pitcher can do.

Man, no pitching, speed,

nor agility can match them corn-fed hillbillies.

You sure those are boys?

That guy has a mustache.

The Kentucky team's full of Hunter Dixons.

No one's even scored a run on them.

They don't lose.

-Good luck, Coach. -Good luck to you, sir.

Here are your new uniforms for your region. Good luck.

Let's take a look at the yard, men. Come on.

Whoa, look at the grass.

Guys, have you ever seen anything more

-beautiful than this? -Yeah.

-Her name's Caroline. -Shut up, Mark.

You're ruining the moment.

Holy cow.

Sunflowers?

You like it, don't you?

Great. Come on, now.

Perfect, man.

-Hello? -Hey, Mom.

Oh, hey, honey. How's it going over there?

Is it everything you imagined?

Yeah, it's pretty great.

You don't sound so enthused.

I'm just tired from all the travel.

Is Dad there?

He's fine. He's resting.

He's excited to see you play.

So, Doc said the chemo worked?

He said that everything's going to be fine.

Quit saying that word, Mom.

-What word? -Fine.

"He's fine. I'm fine."

I'm not stupid.

When a woman says everything's fine,

it means you're not fine.

It means you're in the doghouse.

Can you tell me the truth for once?

Well...

The doctor said that he had to do surgery, but

all he wants to do is see you play.

You've given him hope to keep going.

Is he going to be okay, Mom?

Honey, I love you.

I hate you!

I hate you!

Uh, do you have any idea of our new departure time?

I'm not sure.

O... Okay. Are we talking, like, 30 minutes or an hour

-or... -I really don't know.

Are you sure of anything?

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking me.

I have to be on a plane in 90 minutes

or I'm gonna miss my son's Little League game.

I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do.

I'm sure there'll be more games.

-Oh, my God. -I can't with her right now.

Can I have a, uh, piece of paper and one of your pens?

You can rent it for the low price of a Cinnabon.

A Cinnabon, huh?

Can't believe you're charging me.

It's ridiculous.

Here's 20. I want the change.

I'll see what I can do.

Okay, be careful. And hurry back.

All right?

Hey, Coach.

-Got you a Twinkie. -No, thank you.

-Really? -Yeah.

Suit yourself.

Something troubling you, Jon?

Hmm? Oh, no, I...

Just a little worried about this Massachusetts team.

Pitcher's got a mean curveball.

Oh, Coach.

These boys-- they are laser focused.

They got their eye on the prize.

That's the pitcher.

Oh, good Lord.

That does present a problem. I see what you mean.

-I believe it does. -I'm sure we'll, uh,

rise to the occasion. Know what I mean?

Have a Twinkie.

-No, thank you. -It's the Little League

-World Series. Have a Twinkie, -Doesn't sound good.

-for God's sakes. -All right,

-give me a Twinkie, come on. -All right.

It is a pleasant afternoon

as Texas gets set to take on Massachusetts

at the Little League World Series.

Strike three!

I think I'm in love.

Strike three!

Wicked good pitch, eh? Wicked!

Only thing wicked is our hitting.

Come on, Robert.

Let's get this thing ignited!

Strike three!

Let's get excited out there.

Come on. I want to be out

of this inning and I want to be out quickly.

-Let's go. -Come on!

Where's my dad, Coach?

He's a little bit delayed at the airport. He'll be here.

Come on, let's go.

Boys are playing like they're asleep on their feet.

Hey!

Oh!

-Shoot. No. -Is he okay?

-My ankle. -Okay, okay, okay, okay.

All right. Easy, easy, easy, easy, easy.

Shoe off.

Okay.

Medic!

All right. Easy.

-Easy, easy. -It hurts.

I know, I know, I know, I know.

You're okay. We'll get you taken care of.

Chris, watch where you're going next time.

You watch where you're going. That was my ball.

Hey! What's going on?

Hey, sit down! Break it up!

What's going on? Have some respect.

-Get over here. Get your glove. -What are you doing?

Go sit down.

No singing "Rawhide" today.

Banner gonna look pretty good

hanging up in your office, cowboy.

I don't actually have an office.

Working out of, uh, my home.

Mostly my car.

Unfortunately, I think that beautiful banner

is gonna be ending up in a barn somewhere down in Kentucky.

Yeah, I saw that they were the favorites.

Yeah.

-Good to see you. -Hey.

They're a squad of giants, Bobby. Just huge.

One of 'em's got a beard, another one's

got a tattoo of a-- of a squirrel

or a cat or something. Fangs.

How you feeling, partner?

Like a man on borrowed time.

And don't go getting

all down on me about everything, all right?

'Cause the team's okay.

Well, I mean, we still got a chance.

Lost an important one in pool play.

We just got to win, and we need

some of their teams to magically just lose.

You let them lose their confidence.

Worse. They lost their motivation.

Yeah.

Well, I mean...

they don't need to be motivated by me.

They need to be motivated by each other.

You know? By what all this means.

And I don't mean just now.

I mean for the rest of their lives.

I'll tell you something, Jon.

When you're at the end,

you know...

you'd think you just replay all the happy memories you lived

and just kind of

go out real peaceful. But...

...that ain't what's happened to me.

All I've replayed are the...

moments I missed

and these regrets I have and...

things I should have done but I didn't.

Don't make this one of your regrets, Jon.

'Cause...

...you don't get to do it over.

Now I just got to find a way to inspire those boys.

What would a parent do to a kid...

I mean, what would Big Jim do

if he gave you a gift

and you didn't appreciate it?

-Take it away. -Take it away.

Huh?

Come on.

Ichiro. Never give up.

You keep.

Thank you.

All right, everyone from the Fort Worth team, listen up!

Gather your things and meet out in front

of the building in five minutes.

Any one of y'all are late, we're gonna run foul poles

till the cows come home, and I ain't lying.

Nani? Cows?

Hey, let's go! Move it!

I ain't kidding you. Shake a leg, man.

-Come on! -Hey, why the heck

-is everybody leaving? -Your dad said it's time

to pack up. We got to get going.

Don't leave without me. Tell my dad I'll be a minute.

I got all this mousse in my hair.

Should never have tried this stuff out.

Maybe they're

moving us to the loser's dorm.

Where we going, Coach?

We're going home, Mikey.

What?

I said... we're going home. Let's go.

-Hit the road, Bill. -Wait, why? We're not out.

Dad. Stop the bus.

-Stop the bus! -We can't go home.

We still got a game to play.

Give me one good reason why we shouldn't go home right now.

I'll give you a reason.

'Cause we're a team.

Not at all. Played like a bunch of individuals

out there. Like you'd rather

fight with each other than fight to win.

-We're a team. -'Cause we're a family, Coach.

And sometimes families fight.

Because sometimes families and teams get in slumps.

-And we're here to win, Coach. -Because we are All-Stars.

And all-stars don't quit.

Ain't no man can avoid being born average, Coach.

But ain't no man got to be common.

Told you this would work.

Dad!

Oh, man, you almost knocked me over.

Folks, it's a perfect evening

here in Williamsport. As the 2002 Little League

World Series has been nothing short of fireworks.

Kentucky has steamrolled through

the competition to get to this point,

and the boys from Fort Worth haven't been

too shabby either, beating Missouri

and Hawaii, only losing to a tough Massachusetts team.

Fort Worth pitcher Walker Kelly

has got a bit of a cold tonight.

Had a bit of a runny nose before, bit of a cough.

But no, I don't think it's gonna affect me.

Number 20, Robert Ratliff,

is on first base. They call him Rocket.

My name is Robert Ratliff, and my favorite player

is Ichiro Suzuki.

Fort Worth looks to upset the number one seed

Kentucky team and advance to the championship against Japan.

-Bobby! -We've still got

a double no-hitter going into the bottom of the sixth,

and any run will do it for Fort Worth.

Come on, Rocket. Come on, Rocket!

Come on, Robert, let's go.

Come on, you got this.

Let's see if Rocket can get a hit

and blast these boys into orbit and on to the finals.

Rocket!

Oh!

Dang!

Aw, dang. Okay.

It's a good try. Good try, Rocket.

-It's okay. -You'll get 'em next time.

Nice try, Robert.

He won't make it unless we win.

Don't worry. We will.

It ain't over yet.

How you feeling?

-I can't breathe. -Yeah.

My legs are shot.

And my arms feel like Jell-O.

But other than that, I'm good.

I'm incredibly proud of you, all right?

Listen, first time Kentucky hasn't scored a run in a game.

Don't let 'em start now, all right?

-Let's go, guys, let's go. -That's exactly

why we did all that conditioning.

It pays off right now.

This has become a battle of endurance,

all right, so let's go!

Okay, I know you're hurting.

I know you're tired.

Think about what Bobby's going through

just to be here, all right? That's real pain. If he can

give us everything he's got, we can give it right back to him.

All right, let's go show these Kentucky farmers

how we play baseball down in Texas. Here we go!

-One, two, three. -Bobby!

We've already broken

the strikeout record for this evening,

so it's only fitting that this epic battle

head into extra innings.

It's going to come down to which pitcher

gives up that big hit.

That Walker kid's got a great arm,

I just hope he isn't snottin' up that ball.

-Come on, Walker! -Come on, Walker!

Strike!

-Strike two! -Whoo!

Strike three, you're out!

We are in uncharted waters

as Walker Kelly still has

a no-hitter going with two outs

at the top of the ninth.

But under Little League rules, he cannot pitch

more than nine innings, and he's

-well over 100 pitches. -Hey, Coach,

we're gonna have to get Mikey loose.

He's got to go in and pitch next inning.

Come on, Walker!

You got this, Walker! Just shake it off!

Attaway, Walker!

All right, buddy, get in here.

And that is nine.

Walker Kelly can now take a well-deserved rest.

Let's go, guys. Now let's finish this thing.

It is just remarkable,

the heart these boys are playing with.

Yeah!

Strike! Strike three!

Strike three!

-That's okay, boys. -All right, guys,

listen up, fellas.

We never expected to be in this situation

but here we are, right?

It's the way the game goes. Scooter,

you're moving back to catcher, all right?

Get your gear on. Mikey.

You're pitching, son. Warm up that arm.

Let's go. You're gonna be great.

Mikey, throw hard.

Make sure to keep the ball over the strike zone

like we were doing. They can't hit low.

-Come on, bud. We got it. -You got it, Mikey!

The catcher Mikey Valdez will take off

his catching equipment and step in as his replacement.

He's got some big shoes to fill.

Let's go, Mikey!

Let's go, Mikey!

Let's go!

I can't believe this. Who are these guys?

Has a game ever lasted this long?

You're outta here!

We move into the 11th inning.

This is now officially the longest

Little League World Series game in history.

You've got the heart of Kentucky's team

coming up to bat. And I just don't know

how much longer Valdez can keep going

before he's so tired, you start to lose focus.

Come on!

-Here we go, Mike! -Focus!

Come on, Mikey!

It's okay, Mikey, it's okay.

Oh, no.

Stay in, ball, stay in, ball, stay in, ball.

And that is home run number two for Kentucky,

and that might very well be the nail in the coffin

for the exhausted Fort Worth dugout.

You want me to go talk to him?

No, just... just let him think about it.

"There's no man can avoid being born average,

but no man's got to be common."

Strike! Strike two.

Strike three!

Yeah, Mikey!

Not over till it's over. Bobby, you're up.

Don't need you to get a home run.

Just get on base, all right? Come on.

-I can get on base, Coach. -Jack,

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but with that arm,

I don't think you should be swinging a bat, all right?

I said I can get on base.

Doesn't mean I have to swing.

Trust me, Coach.

I'm all right.

Okay.

Ball.

Ball. Ball.

-That's base. -And there's a walk

for Jack Huckaby. It looks like they're gonna

make a substitution and Rand Ravnaas

is gonna run for him.

Works every time.

Let's go, guys!

Sacrifice bunt!

Rand heads to second and Southwest

advances Rand Ravnaas into scoring position.

Fort Worth could be making a comeback here.

Robby, way to take one for the team, all right?

-Get in there. -It's okay, Robby.

Scooter, you're up.

Hey, listen, I just need you to get on base.

Hey, where-where... where are your glasses?

They're in my bag. Why?

Well, 'cause sometimes a weakness can be a strength.

-Isn't that right, Jack? -Yeah, Coach.

Go get your glasses.

It's okay, buddy.

Strike two!

Come on, Scooter!

Get a hit, Scooter!

Come on, Scooter.

Oh...

And there's Scooter Finley

into left field, and that will be...

-caught. -But Rand

tags up at second.

And he's safe.

Bottom of the 11th,

two outs, with Robert Ratliff

coming to the plate with a chance

-to tie the game. -Let's go, Rocket!

Strike!

Strike two!

Go!

Get on your horse, go! Go!

What a hit from Robert Ratliff.

And he brings home Rand Ravnaas.

And there's some life left for Fort Worth.

Good job out there.

That's my big brother! Baddest dude around.

That's the way to do it!

Yes, Rocket, yes! That's how you show 'em!

Hey, I'll let you take my sister out for a milkshake

if you get a hit. All right? That's a promise.

You got yourself a deal, Scooter.

Rocket! Two out. You got to score.

Crack of the bat, you're running!

Come on, Mark. Come on, now!

Mark Grace gets up to bat,

and that's his fourth time tonight. He's 0-3 so far.

You're not gonna be smiling in a minute

when you strike out, pretty boy.

-Strike! -Foul ball.

Come on, Mark!

Strike two!

This is it, right here.

Fort Worth down to their last strike.

-Come on, Mark. -Come on, Mark. -Get a hit, Mark.

Let's go. Come on!

Show me the ball.

Out!

Oh...

It's okay. Good job, boys!

And that is it.

Louisville, Kentucky keeps their undefeated streak alive

after barely squeaking by Fort Worth, Texas.

Fort Worth can keep their heads held high.

They put up an amazing, amazing fight.

They certainly did.

Good hustle, Robert.

-Hey. -Dad, I'm so sorry.

I'm s... I'm so sorry.

Kidding me?

I've never been so proud in my whole life.

You understand that? Hey.

Proud of you.

You did great!

You did so great. Did so great.

Hey, we're so proud of you.

I thought you were safe, man.

Yeah.

Come on.

Patti Jean.

Prettiest woman in all of Texas.

I love you.

Boys.

Please don't leave us, Dad.

I'm gonna miss you so much.

I love you, boys.

All right?

No.

The big secret about fly fishing--

it's not about what you catch.

It's about what you see.

And we saw a lot.

Bobby and I,

we fished in Montana,

New Mexico.

We even made it all the way down

to Argentina one year.

Even in all that beauty,

there I was, just...

...yam-yammering on and on about

some law school I didn't get into,

and Bobby just stopped me.

He said,

"Don't take life so seriously, 'cause

you never get out of it alive."

I hope you boys won't forget that.

I know I won't.

He was my best friend.

Taking off... Hey, what's your favorite sport?

-Baseball. -Baseball?

You want to hold my hand?

Oh... Whoa! Good swing.

Can you throw one here?

Let's see your fastball. Oh!

Go, go, go! Go, go, go! Here I come!

Go, go, go!

He's so fast he lost his helmet!

Oh!

Hey, Wyatt. Let's go over here and sit down.

I want to read something to you. Okay?

Here, come with me.

Hey, Wyatt.

I've been waiting a long time

to open this letter.

And, uh, I wanted to do it with you.

Your grandfather-- my dad--

wrote this to me, and I've never opened it.

But I'm gonna open it right here with you,

and we're gonna read it together. Okay?

"Dear Robert,

I want you to know the love I have for you."

First baseman for the Texas team,

going through what we can't even imagine with his father.

Bobby is very ill at the moment.

Well, Dave, Bobby Ratliff to my left.

It's been a tremendous, tremendous ride.

Special, special.

All the families. All the kids.

It's really been... really been neat.

But not only the team, but Fort Worth, like you said.