Adapted from Michael Lewis’s acclaimed book, Moneyball tells the true story of the Oakland A’s and their general manager, Billy Beane in the early-2000s. Praised by critics, the 2011 film delves into the team’s innovative sabermetric approach to building a winning team despite a limited budget.
However, the film hasn’t escaped criticism.
Some viewers argue that the film unfairly portrays manager Art Howe (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and downplays the significant contribution of the A’s dominant pitching staff, which included aces Mark Mulder, Tim Hudson, and Barry Zito.
That’s seen numerous former players speak out about the film, despite its popularity.
I mean, how can you not be romantic about baseball?
Well, David Justice can tell you how. He recently expounded on how he felt about his portrayal in the film during a conversation with Keyshawn Johnson on the Fox Sports personality’s All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson podcast.
“One thing a lot of people have to understand is when Hollywood does a movie, that I would say they always Hollywood it up,” Justice explained. “When they say it’s based on true facts or true events, that’s not necessarily true. Like, if you watch Moneyball, there’s a scene in Moneyball where my character (Stephen Bishop) makes a comment about it costing money to get a soft drink in the clubhouse.
“Or, there was a scene where the general manager, played by Brad Pitt, comes into the batting cage, and he’s talking to me, basically needing me to come on board as a leader. And it portrays me like I’m talking to the general manager like, ‘Listen, y’all paying me my salary, don’t even come here and talk to me.’ Keyshawn, man, first of all, my mama would’ve killed me if she saw me even remotely disrespecting a coach or manager or something like that. I have never disrespected a general manager, a coach, a manager — none of that.
“I was the leader of that team. That was my last year in the league. A lot of those young guys that were on the team literally grew up watching me. The first day of spring training, I already assumed my leadership role. I knew that’s what it was going to be about. Billy Beane, who was our general manager, played by Brad Pitt in the movie, never had to have a conversation with me.”
That was one scene in the movie that Justice wasn’t fond of because it was a portrayal of him that is in no way indicative of the type of teammate he was his whole career.
“And another thing about that movie just to put it out there, the movie — a lot of it is based around Billy Beane and his daughter,” Justice continued. “If you ever saw it, they go to the guitar store where they buy a guitar or something, and he’s supporting her goal to be a musician. So we go to the premier, and Billy Beane and I were tight. Like, the A’s hired me the next year as Billy’s assistant. I see Billy, and I’m like, ‘Billy, bro, how are you not gonna tell me that your daughter can sing and play an instrument like this?’ He goes, ‘DJ, my daughter doesn’t sing or play an instrument.’ Hold on a minute.
“If y’all ever watch Moneyball, there’s so many scenes of this man and his daughter and her singing and her playing an instrument; the movie ends with him listening to her song on the radio. His daughter doesn’t sing or play an instrument. So that tells you, they took it, and they made it however they wanted to make it.”
Despite its inaccuracies, Moneyball remains a beloved baseball movie for many fans. Perhaps a deeper understanding of these omissions, like the ones Justice shared with Johnson, might alter some perspectives. However, the film’s popularity has proven resilient, continuing to resonate with audiences even in the face of criticism from former players.
