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

“What time today?” I ask. “You do realize tomorrow is now today since we’re past midnight.”


“Are we? It’s at two. My head should be clear by then.”


“You know I hurt with you,” I offer.


“I know and I love you for it. Wish you were here to make it better.”


“Wish I could. Best get some sleep now.”


“Wait,” he says. “How’d you do?”


“Eight innings, gave up two runs, and get this, another hit.”


“Yep. A single that you or anyone else would have made a double.”


“Great news. You have now brightened my outlook, so let’s quit while we’re ahead.”


We close with “love,” and I fall into a heavy sleep.


The next day, I fidget, checking the time and adding two hours for St. Louis. I do laundry, run errands, return my brother’s call. He follows my stats and kids me about the hit.


“You’ve got a batting average,” he says.


Chapter 19