Summary
- Moneyball is a 2011 biographical sports drama film directed by Bennett Miller, based on the 2003 book of the same name by Michael Lewis. The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, a former player turned general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who assembles a team of misfit players to compete against more traditional baseball teams. The film also features an ensemble cast, including Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Chris Pratt. Here are some of the main characters and their real-life counterparts:
- Billy Beane – Played by Brad Pitt. Beane is a former player who becomes the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. He uses sabermetrics to build a team of undervalued players that ultimately leads the team to success.
- Peter Brand – Played by Jonah Hill. Brand is a young Yale graduate who joins the Athletics as an assistant to Beane. He is a strong advocate of sabermetrics and helps Beane identify undervalued players.
Moneyball is the true story of the revolutionary approach to the game of baseball with an ending that leaves a lot of questions about what happened to Billy Beane and the other real-life characters of the story. Beane’s groundbreaking utilization of Bill James’ analytical concepts marked a paradigm shift in Major League Baseball, forever altering the traditional notions of player evaluation and team management. But the ripple effects of Moneyball did not stop at the diamond’s edge. Over time, Beane’s audacious experiment with data-driven decision-making permeated the landscape of every sport in the United States, for better or worse.
Over time, the once-disparaged practice of crunching numbers and seeking statistical advantages quickly became an indispensable tool in the arsenal of all national sports franchises. The infusion of sabermetrics into athletics brought profound changes as teams sought to unearth hidden talents, optimize performance, and gain a competitive edge. However, this newfound reliance on data analytics also sparks debates over the diminishing role of intuition and the potential dehumanization of sports. The aftermath of the true story of Moneyball reverberates through everyone involved as athletes, coaches, and others grapple with the impact of Beane’s bold experiment.
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13 Billy Beane Is Still With The A’s
Played By Brad Pitt
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Following the events of Moneyball, Billy Beane continues to leave an indelible mark on the Oakland Athletics organization. He served as General Manager of the organization until 2015, when he was promoted to executive vice president of baseball operations. In addition to this role, Beane has served as a senior advisor to owner John Fisher since 2022, further cementing his influence on the franchise.
From his humble beginnings as a failed outfielder for the Athletics, Beane’s trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary, as he not only transformed the game of baseball but also revolutionized the landscape of sports as a whole through his pioneering use of sabermetrics. Beane’s analytical approach initially met with resistance from coach Art Howe and skeptical players. However, his perseverance paid off spectacularly when the Athletics embarked on an unprecedented winning streak, capturing the attention of the entire sports world.
The A’s remarkable string of 20 consecutive victories showcased the efficacy of Beane’s data-centric methodology.
The A’s remarkable string of 20 consecutive victories showcased the efficacy of Beane’s data-centric methodology. Today, Beane’s influence extends far beyond the diamond, as his innovative ideas and methods have been adopted by every Major League Baseball team and permeated the strategies of teams in every sport imaginable. Because of the ideas he pioneered in Moneyball, Beane became an iconic figure who continues to shape the future of sports thanks to his success in Moneyball.
12 Paul DePodesta Led The Football Analytics Revolution
Played By Jonah Hill
Paul DePodesta’s fictionalized Moneyball character underwent such significant alterations from his real life that DePodesta requested the character be renamed Peter Brand. However, both the A’s Paul DePodesta and Moneyball’s Peter Brand are deeply committed to the principles of analytics and quantitative methods when it comes to evaluating prospects. This belief system guides his actions and decisions as he navigates the world of scouting in the Oakland Athletics.
Following this period, DePodesta finds success in subsequent career ventures, notably with the NY Mets and San Diego Padres, further reinforcing his dedication to utilizing analytical approaches in various sports contexts.
After revolutionizing baseball in Moneyball, DePodesta transitioned to the realm of professional American football. In 2016, he assumed the role of Chief Strategy Officer for the Cleveland Browns NFL team, aiming to elevate their competitiveness. His appointment focuses on implementing strategic methodologies, honed during his time in baseball, to contribute to the team’s success. As a testament to his impact, DePodesta received a five-year contract extension as CSO in 2021, solidifying his continued role in shaping the team’s strategic direction and long-term vision.
11 Art Howe Continued To Coach In Baseball
Played By Philip Seymour Hoffman
In Moneyball, Art Howe is portrayed as a dour traditionalist who frequently clashes with Beane, not willing to commit to the radical new approach. While their relationship was not as explosive as portrayed in the film, they indeed had disagreements regarding the team’s direction. After his departure from the A’s, Art joined the New York Mets for two years.
Art Howe managed the Houston Astros, Oakland As, and New York Mets over a 15-year career.
However, in 2004, he was replaced by Willie Randolph. Subsequently, Howe found himself with the Texas Rangers, taking on various roles within the organization. His tenure with the Rangers concluded in 2007 as a bench coach. Unfortunately, his contract was not renewed after 2008 due to the Rangers’ disappointing season. Art Howe never coached or managed in baseball again after that stint, although he finished his managerial career with a 1,129-1,137 record, which is a .498 winning percentage.
10 Scott Hatteberg Went From A Journeyman Hitter To Front C-Level With The A’s
Played By Chris Pratt
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Scott Hatteberg emerged as one of the prominent beneficiaries of the analytical versus intuitive approach to player development pioneered by Beane in Moneyball. This revolutionary methodology proved instrumental in unlocking Hatteberg’s potential, allowing him to flourish within the Athletics organization. The pinnacle of Hatteberg’s career came when he delivered a memorable walk-off home run to clinch the Athletics’ historic 20th consecutive victory.
This iconic moment showcased his skill and contributed to the team’s success. Hatteberg remained a vital member of the Athletics until 2006 before moving on to join the Cincinnati Reds, where he continued to ply his trade until 2008. In 2012 and 2013, Hatteberg embarked on a new venture as he transitioned into the role of a color commentator for the Oakland Athletics.
Hatteberg serves as a special assistant to Baseball Operations for the Oakland Athletics.
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This foray into sports commentary gave him a platform to share his expertise and insights with fans, offering unique perspectives on the game he had dedicated himself to. Presently, Hatteberg serves as a special assistant to Baseball Operations for the Oakland Athletics under the guidance of Billy Beane. In this capacity, he plays an integral role in the team’s strategic decision-making processes, drawing from his wealth of experience that began with Moneyball and contributing to the organization’s ongoing success.
9 Grady Fuson Now Develops Players for the As Using Analytics
Played By Ken Medlock
Grady Fuson was portrayed as a villain in Moneyball but the true story of the baseball scout and Billy Beane is very different. Beane didn’t fire Fuson; instead, he voluntarily left the Oakland Athletics to join the Texas Rangers, becoming head of scouting and overseeing their farm system. He remained with the Rangers until 2005 before transitioning to the San Diego Padres. In his new role with the Padres, Fuson served as a special assistant to the general manager, Kevin Towers.
Over time, he climbed the ranks and eventually became the organization’s vice president of scouting and player development. However, he was fired in 2009 after a rough season for the Padres. After the Padres let him go, Fuson returned to Oakland in 2010. This time, he assumed the position of an executive special adviser focusing on scouting and player development.
Fusion was awarded the prestigious Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award, which honors exceptional contributions to player development.
Fuson’s contributions to player development did not go unnoticed, as he received recognition for his dedication and service. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award, which honors exceptional contributions to player development. Additionally, Fuson was named Scout of the Year, an esteemed accolade presented annually at the Winter Meetings, further highlighting his impact in the field.
8 David Justice
Played By Stephen Bishop
David Justice concluded his career as a player for the Oakland Athletics during their historic 2002 Moneyball season. It was his only season with the As, and he was one of the few big-name veterans the team brought in for the Moneyball era. He didn’t play great, with only a .266 batting average and just 11 home runs, but he provided veteran leadership for the team during those years. This came off a two-year stint with the New York Yankees.
David Justice was also a two-time World Series champion
Before that, he had a successful stint with the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) from 1997 to 2000. However, his biggest and best days came when he played for the Atlanta Braves from 1989 to 1996. He finished his career there with a .275 batting average and 160 home runs. He was also a two-time World Series champion (the second time with the Yankees). After his playing days, he spent a couple of years as a broadcaster for ESPN, providing baseball analysis and commentary.
7 Chad Bradford
Played By Casey Bond
Chad Bradford, played by athlete Casey Bond, was a specialist reliever pitcher who contributed to the Athletics from 2001 to 2004 until an injury forced him onto the injured list. He subsequently played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays before retiring in 2009. In his time with Oakland, he only had a record of 18-14 over four seasons in 250 total games played, and a 3.34 ERA. His ERA upon retirement was lowered to 3.26.
Bradford’s unique pitching style (“submarine-style”) and effectiveness made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for. He was one of the main subjects in Michael Lewis’s book Moneyball. The metrics were right, as he was a key tool to use against right-handed batters until his back injuries shut him down. Chad Bradford is now an assistant baseball pitching coach for the Hinds Community College, where he went to school before his major league career.
6 Ricardo Rincon
Played By Miguel Mendoza
Ricardo Rincón, an underrated left-handed pitcher, was acquired by Billy Beane during the Moneyball season. He had spent his entire career as a middle relief and setup pitcher and he never started a game in the majors, although he did finish with 21 saves as a closer/setup man. He also has an impressive 109 holds over his career, which means he held onto the lead when called in to pitch in the middle innings, allowing the closer to come in and finish things up.
Following his time with the As, Rincón went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants before transitioning to various Mexican national teams until 2012. He played for his native Mexico in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, but his career soon started winding down after Tommy John surgery, with only a limited season after the injury. Rincón is now out of baseball, but he is married and has two children.
5 Carlos Peña
Played By Gerardo Celasco
Carlos Peña joined the Athletics as part of a multi-player trade with the Texas Rangers. With the A’s, he played poorly, only hitting .218 with seven home runs and was also sent back to the minors for a time. He was only a minor character in the movie, but was mentioned several times in the book about the Oakland A’s era. Peña went on and played for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, and Kansas City Royals throughout his career.
Peña’s best season was in 2007 when he hit 46 home runs, with a .282 batting average and 121 RBIs.
After leaving Oakland, Peña became a star. He was an All-Star in 2009, won a Golden Glove Award in 2009, a Silver Slugger Award in 2007, and was also named the AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2007 when he led the AL in home runs with 46 for the Rays. He retired after the 2014 season and went into broadcasting. He is now a broadcaster for the New England Sports Network (NESN) and contributes to Cubs Post-Game Live.
4 Eric Chavez
Played By Art Ortiz
Eric Chavez was different from other players in Moneyball. In many cases, the Oakland A’s looked around the league and found underappreciated players who were almost like hidden gems and brought them in for very little to build a winner. For Chavez, the A’s drafted him in 1996, years before Moneyball started, and he worked his way up onto the team. He was a star that the A’s chose not to trade away for lower-cost hidden gems, keeping him on the team and allowing him to blossom.
In his 13 major league seasons with the A’s, Chavez batted .267 with 230 home runs and 787 RBIs. By 2010, the A’s were cutting costs again, and they let Chavez walk, so he signed with the New York Yankees before finishing his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013. Since his retirement, Chavez went back to Oakland and became a color analyst for the A’s. However, he soon returned to the game with the Yankees, first as a special assistant and then as a hitting coach.
3 Mark Shapiro
Played By Reed Diamond
Mark Shapiro was not part of the Oakland A’s in Moneyball, but was instead an executive for another team. In the movie, he was with the Cleveland Indians and was one of the executives that Billy Beane supposedly got one over on when it came to trading for players he saw value in. Shapiro said he loved the movie, but it was “oversimplified,” and several elements were not true, such as when Billy Beane “stole” Peter Brandy from the Cleveland Indians (via SB Nation).
“It was fictional. The scenes that had to do with the Tribe never happened. I wasn’t even the GM at the time. Billy’s never been in my office here and I don’t always have 15 guys around me.”
Shapiro worked for Cleveland since 1991 and became general manager in 2001. He ended up becoming very successful after the movie’s events. He won Executive of the Year honors in 2005 and 2007 when Cleveland had seasons with over 90 wins. He then moved up in 2010, leaving his GM position to take over as the new team President and then the CEO in 2015. It is now Shapiro’s job to hire GMs and run the Blue Jays as the team leader.
2 Jeremy Giambi
Played By Nick Porrazzo
Jeremy Giambi is the younger brother of multi-time All-Star Jason Giambi, and the two played together in Oakland. He didn’t start in Oakland, as the Kansas City Royals drafted him in 1998. The A’s made a trade for him in 2000, and he played with his brother in 2000 and 2001, with Nick Prraszzo playing him in the movie. Oakland traded him in the middle of the 2002 season as part of their sabermetrics deals, moving him to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jeremy went on to play for the Boston Red Sox after that and ended his career after just six major league seasons. His numbers included a .263 batting average with 52 homers and 209 RBIs. Part of his career’s end might have come with he testified that he and his brother both used steroids in their careers in a grand jury testimony. Sadly, Giambi was found dead in his home in 2022, and authorities ruled it was a death by suicide.
1 Staff Ron Washington & Chris Pittaro
Played By Brent Jennings And Vyto Ruginis
In Moneyball, Ron Washington is Hatteberg’s first base coach and is portrayed as a staunch proponent of old-school baseball, often at odds with Billy Beane’s approach. He later became the manager of the Texas Rangers from 2006 to 2016, resigning due to family reasons and after experiencing some tensions within the club. Following his tenure with the Rangers, Washington served as a first base coach for the Athletics for a couple of years before rejoining the Rangers as a first base coach in 2021.
Chris Pittarro, a scout who supported Beane’s sabermetric approach, has been associated with the Athletics since 1991. He played a significant role in embracing and implementing the analytical methodologies advocated by Beane. Pitarro’s dedication and contributions to the organization led to his current position as the special assistant to General Manager David Forst. In this role, he continues to lend his expertise and assist in various aspects of the team’s operations, further solidifying his commitment to the sabermetric approach first made famous in Moneyball.
The Oakland A’s
The Oakland A’s have not had a great time since the events of Moneyball. While the movie showed one of the best moments in the team’s recent existence, the franchise has undergone some major changes. They only won the AL West divisional title four times since then, in 2006, 2012, 2013, and 2020. They haven’t been to the World Series since 1989 when Mark Maguire and Jose Canseco were the team’s stars. The team has also found itself leaving Oakland completely.
2005 began the Lewis Wolff era of the team when he took over as the new owner after the team sold in 2005. In 2006, they returned to the postseason for the first time since the Moneyball events but ended up losing in the second round, swept by the Detroit Tigers, 4-0. The team then began to clear out talent, trade star players, and cut its budget under the new ownership. There were some bright moments, such as in 2012 when they made it back to the postseason, with Bob Melvin winning Manager of the Year.
However, things got dark when the team began to lobby for a new stadium, which the city of Oakland was unwilling to agree to. This led to the A’s choosing to leave Oakland and fans turning their backs on their once-beloved franchise. With attendance at an all-time low and fans boycotting games, Oakland agreed to move to Las Vegas. They have since moved to Sacramento since Oakland was not willing to accommodate them and will relocate to Vegas when the new stadium is built.
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Based on the book by Michael Lewis, Moneyball chronicles the Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane as he attempts to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget – by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players. Billy partners with a young and hungry economist, played by Jonah Hill, as they develop an unconventional team of players that will change the game of Baseball forever.
Director Bennett Miller Release Date September 23, 2011 Cast Brad Pitt , Jonah Hill , Robin Wright , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Chris Pratt2 Runtime 133 minutes
Source: https://www.lsu.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment