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

“Cowboy,” he’ll always reply and we’ll share a laugh.


Earl doesn’t know about me. He’s a widower, Tommy having lost his mom to cancer four years ago. Earl dates younger women and Tommy keeps up the pretense that he samples generous fare as well


“Hey, Pop, how goes it?” he now says as he takes the phone to the living room because he knows I’d rather not listen.


I asked Tommy once, if we didn’t have this opposing team barrier whether he’d come out. “Nope,” he said without stopping to consider.


I never asked if his mother knew. I can’t press him on this because I’m also closeted where family is concerned. My dad, Big John Kerley, as he’s known back home, is a bigot through and through. My brother Frank has followed him down that path while Mom looks on. I think she knows I’m gay because she gets the nuance of life. She’s encouraged me, such as she can.


Chapter 12