Brad Pitt Goes to Bat for “Moneyball” and Aims for a Box Office Home Run

By Addie Strong
September 23, 2011

Moneyball

Brad Pitt stars in "Moneyball"

“Moneyball” isn’t your average sports movie.

First of all, it’s not about a winning team or an epic championship season. It’s not even about an underdog overcoming the odds (à la Oscar-winning “The Blind Side"—a film, like this one, based on a book written by Michael Lewis). Instead, "Moneyball"—a true story—is about a long-suffering team and a controversial technique they used to try to win a World Series.

In the summer of 2002, the Oakland Athletics management invited Lewis to join them as they debated their top picks for the next season. The team—struggling financially and professionally—used a statistical strategy, now referred to as "moneyball," to draft players that year.... to—at least as far as this tale is concerned—surprisingly intriguing ends.

Moneyball

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Moneyball

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt stars as legendary Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, a frustrated but passionate baseball veteran working for the losing team. “The problem we’re trying to solve is that there are rich teams, and there are poor teams,” Beane explains in the film. “Then there’s 50 feet of crap. And then there’s us. It’s an unfair game.”

Moneyball

Brad Pitt

Determined and absolutely convinced there’s a way to turn their losing record around, Beane hires young Ivy Leaguer Peter Brand (played by “Superbad” and “Get Me to the Greek” star Jonah Hill) for his genius math skills. Beane and Brand decide that if they use statistics to their advantage—specifically an advanced mathematical analysis called saber metrics—they may just be able to pull off a championship.

Beyond the math, Beane and Brand’s strategy is this: to hire what Brand refers to as “an island of misfit toys.” They use on-base statistics and pitchers’ groundout averages to assemble a group of players—old and new, and cheap—that other teams may have overlooked. One in particular is Scott Hatteberg (played by “Parks and Recreation” star Chris Pratt), a former catcher they decide to reinvent as a first baseman.

“We are card counters at the blackjack table,” Beane tells his team when outlining the new strategy. “We’re gonna turn the odds on the casino.” The sports movie follows Beane in his quest to turn his team around, and the pushback he gets from those who are skeptical of his technique and desire to shake up a game steeped in tradition.

Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill

Moneyball

Chris Pratt

Now, nine years later, a simple look at the Oakland Athletics since 2002 reveals a less-than-stellar record, and they have yet to win a World Series. The movie’s release, however, comes at a time when baseball is struggling for survival in a sinking economy, and some people are eager to give the moneyball strategy another at-bat. Supporters even cite the Boston Red Sox and their recent triumph over the infamous curse as evidence of moneyball as a winning tool. Detractors, of course, point out Boston’s deep pockets—the Red Sox may play moneyball, but they’re not short on cash for the big stars if they want them.

Moneyball

Brad Pitt and Kerris Dorsey

Fortunately for the film, moneyball’s debatable success is just a step towards the movie’s larger theme. Ultimately “Moneyball” is about caring enough for something that you want to help it, to make it better—win or lose. You’ll root for Beane—you’ll root for him to earn his team wins, for him to be able to secure a future for his family, and for him to earn baseball’s respect. And that is why this sports movie’s different than your average nine innings.

(Photos by Melinda Sue Gordon)

eBay is stocked with baseball (and “Moneyball”) memorabilia. You’ll find great collectibles, many with signatures, from today and probably from your childhood. Take a look at the items that take us out to the ballgame:

Billy Beane A’s GM Moneyball Hand Signed Color Photo

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt in "Moneyball," signed this color photo of himself.
1986 Fleer Update #11 Billy Beane XRC Brad Pitt Moneyball RC

(buy it now price, $4.99)

Before he became the Oakland A’s General Manager, Beane played in the outfield for teams like the Minnesota Twins.
Very Rare Signed A’s Twins Billy Beane Game Used Bat

(buy it now price, $65)

Former MLB player Beane signed this Louisville Slugger baseball bat, making it a rare find.
New Moneyball – Lewis, Michael/Lewis, Michael NRT

(buy it now price, $9.05)

Listen to the original “Moneyball” story, as told by author Michael Lewis, on this audiotape.
2004 Topps #492 Scott Hatteberg

(buy it now price, $1)

Beane’s moneyball strategy included picking up former catcher Scott Hatteberg and transforming him into the A’s first baseman.
David Justice 2002 Topps Heritage Oakland A’s #148

(buy it now price, $1.79)

Famed outfielder David Justice spent his last season playing for Beane’s Oakland A’s in 2002.
Nick Swisher Autographed Oakland Jersey JSA COA Yankees

(buy it now price, $199.99)

In 2002, Beane drafted outfielder and switch-hitter Nick Swisher, who now plays for the Yankees.
Barry Zito Oakland Athletics McFarlane Series 7

(buy it now price, $14.99)

Under Beane’s management, pitcher Barry Zito won the American League Cy Young Award in 2002.