Before the film was released in 2001, posters and ads reflected the rating as R before it was re-edited to dub over the kids using the "f" word. Despite quite a bit of profanity remaining, the film was then released with a PG-13 rating.
Based on a true story.
All of the league's team names are taken from tribes in Africa.
Premiered in the same weekend as The Glass House (2001), also starring Diane Lane. Hardball was number one at the box office, and The Glass House was number two that weekend.