Outfielder Tommy Knox is said to "own" pitcher Wayne Kerley because he always hits well when Wayne is on the mound. What the public doesn't know is that the two men have long been involved in a committed, loving relationship. They met and fell in love while playing in the minor leagues, but were called up to the majors and now play for opposing teams.<br><br>Tommy and Wayne have managed to stay together through twelve closeted years. Being on different teams means they have to spend most of the baseball season apart.<br><br>In the final year of his contract, Wayne considers retirement as his career begins to wind down. The thought of life without baseball seems nearly impossible, but he keeps his fears and dread to himself. Tommy still has two years left of his contract, and all the successes, defeats, and injuries that entails. Can the two reconcile their love of each other and the game?

Ownage

“Same here. Forever and then some.”


It’s a slow rise and I savor every minute. The world and all its complications disappear. Just us now, no game, no clock. I’m where I belong.


My eventual climax is as low key as they go. I get off, a load of pleasure is delivered, but it’s mellow, even as it satisfies. When I slide out, I fall asleep.


When we surface next day near noon, I tell Tommy, “Today will be better. You’ve got the sure thing. Me.”


“Never a sure thing,” he replies. “Only in bed.”


He doesn’t bite. “Wonder if I’ll bat third or fourth today.”


“Cleanup,” I declare. “Grand slam.”


“Will you stop it?” he says, punching my arm. We’ve eaten, dressed, and are now in that limbo before heading to the game. “Strike me out,” he adds.


“I’m always trying that. Just doesn’t seem to work.”


Later, in the clubhouse, Jim Scanlon, pitching coach, takes me aside. “How you planning to face Knox?”


Chapter 10