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

“Hope Tommy’s okay for tomorrow’s game,” he says.


“You and me both. Thanks for your help and for your welcome.”


I had the cab wait, and finally get Tommy to it. The only good part of this is he’s slipped into happy-drunk mode, attempting to sing a tune, giggling. The driver doesn’t seem to know who we are. Just another drunk going home.


Tommy refuses to go to bed when we’re back at the condo. “Fuck sleep,” is how he puts it.


“Okay, no bed, but if you’re going to stay up you have to drink coffee. Deal?”


He falls onto the couch, frowns, then agrees.


“Food, too,” I add. “Cheese and crackers. I doubt you’ve eaten anything.”


He remains sitting on the couch as I make coffee and fix a plate for him. His eyes are closed, his head back, and I’m not sure he’s awake until I bring things to him.


“Right here,” he answers without opening his eyes.


With some effort, he sits forward and opens his eyes. I hand him the cup.


Chapter 24