Rocker Found a Killer Role

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — John Rocker will be flinging bodies instead of baseballs when he makes his big-screen debut as a homicidal maniac.

The controversial Texas Ranger reliever is playing a slasher-killer in a movie called “The Greenskeeper,” Ranger spokesman John Blake confirmed Saturday.

The film, produced by Atlanta-based Ghost Man on Third Productions, was shot in October in Senoia and other golf courses in Georgia.

It follows a 20-year-old assistant greenskeeper who gathers friends for a country club birthday party, according to the movie’s Web site. A killer dressed as a greenskeeper and armed with golf course tools crashes the party and disposes of naughty teens.

Kevin Greene, one of the film’s producers, said they called Rocker after a friend of a friend mentioned he knew the pitcher. Rocker was the consummate professional, Greene said, showing up on time and knowing all his lines.

“He has a crazy persona and the character needed a wild streak,” Greene said.

Rocker’s remarks on racial, ethnic and sexual minorities in a magazine article led to his suspension for two weeks in 2000.

Blake said the Rangers have no problem with Rocker’s role in the movie.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of concern,” he said.

Filmmakers are planning a May premiere in Atlanta.