Updated: A previous version of this page included a video, which has since been removed.
Last year, Little League pitcher Mo’ne Davis captured America’s attention during a magical Little League World Series run that seemed like it came from a script of a Disney Channel movie.
The Disney Channel took notice, apparently.
According to Variety, the network is developing a biopic called “Throw Like Mo” about the Philadelphia-based pitcher, with Davis and espnW consulting on the film. Emmy Award-nominated producer Debra Martin Chase will be the project’s executive producer, with Sheldon Candis and Justin Wilson serving as the writers.
“There are so many great things happening to me right now, and it’s a very exciting time in my life,” Davis said in a statement. “A year ago, I never would have thought that Disney Channel would make a movie about me. I can’t wait to get started, and I hope it will encourage other viewers to believe that dreams really do come true.”
Naketha Mattocks, vice president of original movies for Disney Channels, added, “Mo’ne is not only a top-notch athlete in three different sports—baseball, basketball, and soccer—but she is an exemplary student and someone who will remind our audiences that they can do anything with hard work, dedication, and belief in themselves.”
This isn’t the first star turn for Davis. During her Little League World Series run with the Philadelphia-based Taney Dragons, she became the first Little Leaguer to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. In December, first lady Michelle Obama broke the news that Davis had been named the 2014 Sports Illustrated Kids Sports Kid of the Year, complete with a short feature about her magical year.
Davis also participated in this year’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, finishing the game with four points and rendering comedian Kevin Hart temporarily speechless with a nasty spin move.
At least one person objected to Disney’s plans, however. Bloomsburg (Pennsylvania) University’s Joey Casselberry, a junior first baseman, tweeted a not-suitable-for-work comment upon hearing the news that Davis would be the subject of a Disney Channel movie.
Bloomsberg promptly kicked him off its baseball team:
Bloomsburg Univ is deeply saddened by what was written about #MoneDavis by one of our student-athletes. His words do not represent us.
— BU Huskies (@GoBUHuskies) March 21, 2015
We take matter very seriously; addressed the issue with the student-athlete (who has been dismissed from team), coach, and the team.
— BU Huskies (@GoBUHuskies) March 21, 2015
During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter Monday, Davis took the high road, saying she wrote an email to the school asking for his reinstatement to the team.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” she said. “Everyone deserves a second chance. I know he didn’t mean it in that type of way. I know people get tired of seeing me on TV. But sometimes you got to think about what you’re doing before you do it.
“It hurt on my part, but he hurt even more. If it was me, I would want to take that back. I know how hard he’s worked. Why not give him a second chance?”
In an email to TODAY.com, however, Bloomsburg spokesman Tom McGuire revealed the school will not be backing down on its punishment of Casselberry.
“Her request demonstrates the type of person she is, her level of maturity and the empathy that her family and coach teach her,” said McGuire. “Bloomsburg University stands firm on our decision; however, his consequences will be reviewed as is common in disciplinary actions like this.”
Photo: Kevin Hart, center, and Michael Rapaport, left, defend Mo’ne Davis, right, during the first half of the NBA All-Star celebrity basketball game this past February, in New York. —Frank Franklin II/AP-File