Timberlake to star in baseball movie

Justin Timberlake is photographed during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, in this Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007 file photo. [Agencies]

The new star of the Corpus Christi Hooks minor league baseball team wants some playing tips. Justin Timberlake will portray fictional Hooks player Carlton Garrett in the upcoming movie "The Open Road." The 27-year-old pop star tried to meet with players of the Houston Astros' Double-A team in Austin recently, but schedules didn't align.

"Justin wants to portray what it's like playing for the Hooks, playing for an Astros minor league team and playing at Whataburger Field," Hooks President J.J. Gottsch said.

"The Open Road" is the story of a young man trying to reconnect with his father — a legendary athlete played by Jeff Bridges — as he struggles to get home to his ailing mother. Mary Steenburgen and Kate Mara are also in the film.

Writer-director Michael Meredith, son of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith and a former University of Texas student, drew on his Texas ties for the concept, Gottsch said.

While most of the real Hooks are preparing for spring training, Gottsch remained hopeful that a handful of players may be able to consult with Timberlake — No. 31 in the movie — about his role.

Shooting on the movie began Tuesday in Hammond, La.

Last year, Timberlake voiced a character in the Mike Myers opus "Shrek the Third." His screen credits also include "Alpha Dog" and "Black Snake Moan."