O.B. Benson knows that, as a gay baseball player, his only chance to keep from being shut out of the Major Leagues is to stay as far from the public eye as possible. His low profile is threatened when the team manager insists O.B. take part in a TV interview to help boost lagging fan support.<br><br>Avery Turner, TV reporter, is handsome, fit, and definitely pushes O.B.'s libido into high gear. He’s also out -- something O.B.'s situation doesn’t allow. And Avery believes in monogamous commitment -- something O.B. cannot identify with. But when Avery delivers a curveball to the catcher, O.B. doesn’t know how to handle it.<br><br>When O.B.'s interview is aired, he’s forced to evaluate his life of meaningless one night stands. Can O.B. and Avery work out their differences and build a winning team, or will O.B. strike out?

Major League Shutout

“Um, nice place,” O.B. eventually offered. “I’ve never been here before, even though it’s pretty close to my—”


“It’s not easy being gay in the major leagues, is it?” Avery interrupted in a tone that was so genuine and sincere it almost made O.B. want to immediately open up to the man.


His years of practiced denial of his sexual orientation kicked in. “What the fuck are you talkin’ about? Who’re you callin’ a limp-wristed gay?”


Avery smiled and took a deep breath. “Pro athletes see themselves as machismo personified, don’t they? And a typical macho man has to hide his own sexuality by expressing the view of homosexuals as weak, sissy-boys. Despite the changing views of our society, pro sports is still home for homophobes. So relax, Mr. Benson. I’m not about to out you. I know what that’d do to your career.”


“‘Out’ me? What makes you think I’m afraid of being outed? I mean—” O.B. blustered, panicking again. “I’m not gay. I don’t have any reason to be outed.”


Chapter 11