Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2015 15:47:35 +0000 (UTC)
From: B <wasputz2525@yahoo.com>
Subject: Welcome to the Big Leagues

WELCOME TO THE BIG LEAGUES

******************
Warning:  The usual disclaimers apply here.  If you don't like any of the
following, leave now:  gay sex, vulgar or harsh language or underage
wherever you are reading this.  Please leave now!!

This is pure fiction. No one in this story is a real person, living or
deceased. Please do not copy without my consent.   Action will be taken
against those you do copy my story!

If you want to write me, please do so at:  wasputz2525@yahoo.com.

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*****************

Josh Holtzmeyer was sitting in the locker at Triple A after going two
scoreless innings and giving up a hit in relief.  He replayed the location
of the pitch for the hit in his mind and cursed with his teammate, Ben
Gutierrez, in the locker next to him and laughing about Josh's desire for
perfection.  Dan Kalb, the manager, came walking out and went directly to
Josh.

"Holtzie, in my office," Dan said still in uniform.

Josh stood with his shirt off showing his nice chest, ripped abs and small
waist with his dark brown hair matted to his head.  Josh followed his coach
to his office with Dan locking the door.

"Another solid performance out there tonight," Dan said leaning against his
desk.

"Thanks.  I'm pissed about the hit.  The two seamer just drifted on me."

"Worry about that with San Diego," Dan said and gave him a smile.

Josh leaned over in his chair and covered his face with his hands for he
knew what that meant.  After being drafted out of his school and five years
in the minors, his childhood dream of pitching in the Major Leagues was
coming true.

"This is the best part of my job, Holtzie. No one deserves it more than you
do.  I know that you'll handle things with dignity like you have here," Dan
said with a big smile across his tan face.

"Sir, I'm speechless but ready for the challenge.  I hope they are ready
for the first gay player in the bigs," Josh said lifting his face and still
in disbelief of what he'd heard.

"Once you're on the hill, you're a challenge to the hitter just like every
other pitcher.  I do suspect the press will hound you especially since
you'll be joining the team on Friday in New York," Dan said.

"Great," Josh lamented. "Any advice for me, coach?"

"Just do what you've been doing here for the last three months and you'll
do fine.  Do your best to focus on your job and let Garman deal with the
press.  The Padres think you're the one who can handle this."

"Thanks Coach.  I have a feeling that they didn't make the decision alone."

"No Holtzie, it took a long talk last night. I know you're the one that is
ready for the show more than the other options."

Dan handed him an envelope with a plane ticket and instructions.  He walked
out and told Gutierrez the big news.  Gutierrez was proud and announced to
the locker room what was about to happen.  Teammate after teammate came
over to pat Josh on the back and gave him encouragement.

Josh called his parents and woke them up.  They were very happy for their
son.  Josh could hear his Dad crying on the phone and knew it meant as much
to his Dad as it did him.  His dad was paralyzed and in a wheel chair after
an accident when Josh was 12.  His parents said they'd see him in New York.
The next call was privately to his boyfriend Kyle.  Both cried about the
news with Kyle saying he'd be there as well.  The two had been together
since high school and lived together during the off season with Kyle now
graduated from college and working in finance.

Thursday, Josh got off the plane and began walking the corridor of the
airport with a bag over his shoulder containing his gloves and cleats.  He
saw a copy of `Daily News' with the mention of this historic call-up in the
upper left hand corner.  He flipped it over and read the brief article
about the six foot three left handed reliever being called up to the
majors.  He read the positive quotes from members of the team and hoped
that they weren't just saying that for good press.

Josh caught a taxi to the hotel with the team flying in after a day game.
He checked in and headed up to his room.  He lay on his bed and could see
the Empire State Building out his window.  He sent a text to Kyle and his
family giving them the room number.  He knew that Kyle was flying in and
would be there that night with him.  Next he called the traveling secretary
for the team to report that he was in New York and waiting.  He asked what
the policy was for his boyfriend staying with him.  Since this was a first,
Mr. Carpenter didn't know and would get back to him.  Josh did make sure
his family including his brother and boyfriend had tickets with a request
for handicapped seating for his father.  That was an easy request and one
that would be made with ease for all three games.

Josh hung up and waited for a return call.  Mr. Carpenter called back and
would allow Kyle to stay in his room since there were wives and girlfriends
on the trip.  Josh was able to get some sleep since he hardly slept a wink
the night before.

At six, his phone rang while he was sitting and staring out the hotel
window at the skyline.  He didn't recognize the number and answered it.  It
was the manager of the team wanting to speak with him.  Josh gave out his
room number and cracked the door.

Ten minutes later, Pat Garman, the manager of the team, came in the door.
Josh stood to greet him.

"The first question is are you ready for this, son?" Pat asked.

"I hope that I am.  I know that I'm ready to show the team what I have just
like I did in spring training..."

"You did well. I told you when we sent you down that you'd be here at some
point.  This probably isn't the ideal place for your debut with all the
press.  I'll do what I can to shield you from it.  You do expect to be
swarmed tomorrow night whether you get in the game or not."

"Yes sir, I do and hope that I'm ready for that.  You never know until it
happens," Josh said.

"Like I told you in camp, you're a brave young man.  I'm pulling for you
and hope that you do well.  Like all rookies making their debut, I won't
put in a tough spot.  I'll find a soft spot in their lineup so you can get
the nerves out of the way and hopefully you'll succeed.  I just don't know
when that will be.  I have heard nothing but great things about you since
you've gone to the bullpen this year.  How have you liked it?"

"I've actually enjoyed it.  It's different than starting for sure and you
have to be mentally prepared every game," Josh replied.

"Holtzie, I have faith in you and try your best to enjoy this.  I can't
promise you how long you'll be here.  Sometimes, it gets to be a number's
game..."

"Like it was in spring training.  I know the game now and what to expect.
I'm just honored to be here and hope people will forget that I am gay,"
Josh said.

"They will never forget it.  You're a pioneer and an inspiration to all
those gay young men who think they can't play sports," Pat said.

"Thank you sir," Josh said with tears coming to eyes.  "I want to be Josh
Holtzmeyer a pitcher first and the first gay player second.  Coach, I'm
sorry for the hell you'll go through this weekend."

"I can handle it but thanks for your concern.  The press here can be tough
but we'll make it," Pat said.  "I did hear some special people are coming
to witness history."

"Yes sir, my family and boyfriend will be here," Josh said.

"Josh, do get some sleep tonight," Pat laughed.

"I'll try," Josh said.

Pat gave him the schedule but said he could take a taxi to the park early
if he wanted to.  Pat left and said he'd see him tomorrow.

Just after Pat left, Josh had another knock on the door.  It was James
Paulson, the ace of the staff and a friend.

"You made it, Holtzie," James said.

"I did.  I wasn't sure if I would or not."

"I called my brother and told him.  He was so excited to hear that you got
the call.  I wish I could say that for the rest of the team.  Not that they
don't know you or respect but the fact it's happening in New York of all
places," James said.

"I know, James.  It's nothing that I can control.  You'd think that the
team would have better sense than that," Josh said.

"Hell, we need another lefty out of the pen with Baez going down Tuesday
night.  You're the first person that I thought of as his replacement but I
thought that many times earlier in the year."

"They've passed over me before but I kept going..."

"Your numbers are fucking insane.  1.25 ERA in that league!"

Josh smiled, "My stuff was working."

"I'll say.  I'll show you around if you want me to and wish Ben and his
boyfriend could be here with us," Josh stated.

"My family and Kyle are coming..."

"I bet you're excited," James laughed.

"I am.  I haven't seen Kyle since April," Josh laughed and heard another
knock at his door.  He walked over and opened it to see Kyle standing there
with his luggage.  Kyle was about 6 foot tall with short blond hair with
tattoos on his arm.  Kyle dropped his luggage and grabbed Josh for a kiss.

"I guess I'm out of here.  See ya tomorrow," James said.

Kyle broke the kiss.  "Good to see ya again, James."

"Good to see you Kyle.  I can tell how proud you are just like my wife was
the first time that I got the call," James said.

"Very proud of him," Kyle said.

"Thanks man," Josh said and waved to James going out the door.

"Is this a dream or what?" Kyle asked with his arms around Josh's neck.

"I wonder.  None of this would have been possible without your support.
You basically pushed me to sign and then were there when the press found
out that I was gay in Class A.  I wanted to say fuck it but you kept
pushing me and telling me how great I was.  I'm so happy that you are here
to enjoy the moment with me.  I love you so much."

"I love you too," Kyle said and felt Josh's lips on his.  They kissed for a
long time until Josh heard his phone ringing.

Josh saw that it was his agent, Bill Chase, and answered it.  His agent
called to congratulate him as well as saying that they had already received
an offer for a signing with a major sports memorabilia company based in New
York.  Josh said that he was honored but asked that it wait until after the
season.  His agent said the price and demand would never be higher.  Josh
agreed but said he wanted to enjoy the weekend without having to sit and
sign for two hours.

"Fucking agent doesn't understand," Josh grumbled after hanging up.

"How much were they offering you?" Kyle asked.

"Twenty dollars a signature for a thousand pieces," Josh said.

"That's twenty grand," Kyle said.

"I know that but I'm not spending my time away from you and my family.  It
can wait.  If I do get in a game, I'll still be the first," Josh stated.
"Besides, I'd rather be in bed with your hot ass the entire time.  You know
how much I miss being with you."

"I miss being with you too," Kyle said.

They made out on the bed with clothes beginning to fly off.  It was just
how Josh imagined and wanted it to be.  He pulled off Kyle's underwear and
began licking Kyle's cock.  He looked up at him and saw the smile on Kyle's
face.  He opened his mouth and let Kyle's 6 inch cock slide between his
lips.  He began sucking and licking while hearing the familiar moans of his
boyfriend.  Kyle pulled him up and was anxious to have Josh's big hard 8
inch cock in his mouth.  He kissed all over Josh's body until reaching
Josh's cock. He licked all over the veiny cut cock until sticking it in his
mouth.  He did the same until Josh pulled him up.

Kyle raced to his suitcase and grabbed the lube while Josh grabbed a plush
hotel towel.  Josh lubed up his cock and saw what was waiting on him.  He
pushed in and felt Kyle's tight ass open up.  During the off season, it
wasn't so tight but they hadn't been together in three months.

"Fuck my ass is getting fucked by a big leaguer," Kyle said.

"No babe, I'm making love to my boyfriend who I love dearly," Josh said.

"I'm getting fucked by a guy who I love dearly," Kyle said and felt Josh's
cock go deeper in him.

Josh felt his cock deep inside of Kyle and leaned over for a kiss.  He
wasn't sure which he enjoyed more but loved both kissing and fucking. He
started slowly and felt his cock scraping the walls of Kyle's ass.  After a
long kiss, Josh leaned up and felt Kyle's legs wrap around his body.  The
two made love slowly and enjoying each push.  Josh smiled and leaned back
over to nibble on Kyle's neck.  Kyle's hand found Josh's hot ass while
feeling the ultimate pleasure of his boyfriend making hot steamy love to
him.

"Oh my God, I love you so much," Josh said and was breathing hard.

"Keep fucking me!"

"I wish I could fuck you all night," Josh said.

The two rolled to their sides with Josh adding more lube to his hard
dripping cock.  He wrapped his arms around Kyle and ran his hands down
Kyle's chest and abs to find his hard cock.  He knew that Kyle enjoyed
cumming while getting fucked.  Josh slammed his cock in hard while stroking
Kyle's hard cock.  Kyle screamed and let his load flow out of his cock.
Josh felt the orgasm and began shooting his load inside of his boyfriend.

After having sex, the two showered together and kissed a lot.  They dressed
nicely and headed out to find something to eat.  They did so and shared a
drink together.  After the meal, the two walked around like tourists and
took pictures of the city since it was their first time in New York.

Josh was up early on Friday and felt the butterflies already in his
stomach.  He read various things on the internet until Kyle came walking
over.

"Josh, stop reading that," Kyle said.

"I'm just reading the good stuff but there is some nasty shit on here,"
Josh said.

"That's what I mean.  Forget that.  You should worry about your performance
on the mound now."

"My performance last night was stellar, huh?" Josh smiled.

"You'd win the Cy Young Award if it was up to me," Kyle said.

Josh turned and kissed him.  They showered and dressed before going down in
the nice ritzy hotel for breakfast.  Josh saw a teammate eating with his
wife and said hello before taking a seat.  Josh and Kyle ordered breakfast
and went walking around to shop just a little in the big city.  Josh now
was aware that his parents and brother would be at the hotel around noon if
there were no delays.

They returned and went to their room with Josh getting his clothes ready to
travel to the park.  The bus was leaving at 2:00 so he couldn't be late.
While they were sitting, Josh heard his phone and saw that it was his Mom
calling.  They had just got in their room with his brother Hayden next
door. They left and headed up to see Josh's parents and brother.

Josh's Mom opened the door when he knocked.  She gave him a big hug and
told him how proud she was of him.  She hugged Kyle too.  Josh saw his dad
sitting in his wheelchair wearing a Padre hat with his 21 year old brother
sitting on the bed.

Josh leaned over and hugged his Dad.  "Josh, you made it.  I've never been
so proud of you in all my life."

"No Dad, we made it.  I couldn't have done it without each person in this
room.  Without your support and kicking me in the ass, I couldn't have made
it," Josh said.

"What a place to begin your career, huh?" Hayden said.

"I know."

"Son, are you nervous?" his Mom asked.

"Of course I'm nervous.  For one I don't know when or even if I get in a
game.  Coach said he'd put me in a good situation so I could succeed," Josh
said.

"If I hear one person, yell faggot or queer when you get in the game, they
may have a shoe up their ass," his Dad said.

"No, my fist will be across their damn face," Hayden said.

"I'll be right behind you," Kyle said.

"You'll have tickets waiting for you at the will-call or at least I hope,"
Josh said and pulled out his phone to make sure.  He called and found out
there would be.  "I can't tell you how much I miss y'all."

"We miss you too.  Carson watches every game," his Mom said about his dad.

"Dad, I know you do and tell me where I mess up," Josh said.

"I hear about it too," Hayden said.

"Hey, I'm with him every pitch," his Dad said.  "Susan can't bear to
watch."

"Me either," Kyle said. "If and when he gets in the game, I don't know if I
can watch."

"Kyle, we can just leave.  I might throw up," Susan said.

"It wouldn't be the first time," Josh said.  "I remember seeing you at
State that year."

Josh and Kyle sat around until Josh needed to leave to get dressed.  They
wished him well with hugs.  Kyle went back to the room with him but was
going to return to see the sights with Josh's family.  Josh now felt more
nervous than ever and it was only to catch the bus.  He gave Kyle a long
kiss and said he'd see him after the game.

Josh found the bus and was early with a bag filled with his glove and
cleats.  He took a seat near the rear and saw James climbing aboard.  James
took the seat across from him.

"Someone is scared shitless," James commented.

"Weren't you for your first game?" Josh asked.

James laughed, "Worse since I was starting."

About 2/3rds of the team was on the bus when it pulled away with the others
taking a cab or worse the subway.  Josh stared out the windows at the city
while most had on their headphones.  They arrived at the park and were let
off deep inside the stadium.  Josh sat in the bus and saw twenty people
from the press.  Garman made things easier by telling them that Holtzie
took a cab to the park and was already there.  Josh smiled and saw the
press scatter.

"Thanks, man," an outfielder said to Josh.

"Look Howard.  It's not Holtzie's fault," James said.

"I know but I'm not in the mood to answer questions about playing with a
gay dude.  We did it in spring training and it shouldn't be a big deal,"
Howard said.

"I'm sorry, Howard," Josh said.

"Just pitch well when your number is called.  That's all I ask, rookie,"
Howard said.

They walked into the locker with Josh's locker ready and waiting for him.
He stared for a moment seeing his name across the back and his number, 55
on the back.  A few players stopped by and welcomed him to the show.  He
undressed and headed out to get his work in out on the field.

Coming out of the dugout, Josh took it all in despite the stadium being
empty.  He'd been to a few major league stadiums as a kid but now was
wearing a warmup shirt to be on the field.  He jogged into the outfield
with James close to him.  When he reached the outfield, he did his
stretching and talked to a veteran reliever, Warmack, doing the same.  He
finished up and shagged fly balls until leaving the field.  He was stopped
by the pitching coach, Ruiz, and followed him into a room with the two
catchers.  They went over his stuff and what he liked to throw before
getting briefed on tonight's lineup.  It was a lot to digest but something
Josh was accustomed to doing.

Leaving, Pat Garman stopped him and filled him in on the press conference
that he just had.  For a team in third place, he said he'd never answered
so many questions and from so many different people.

Josh went to his locker and sat down to get his mind in the right spot.  He
went over the hitters in his head with his head down.  He lifted up his
head and began dressing with a few veterans walking by to welcome him to
the show.  It was really happening with him buttoning up his crisp uniform
and putting on his spikes.  He grabbed his glove with a few more players
welcoming him and pulled on his new hat.  He walked out with the stadium
filling up on this July day.  He looked around and spotted his family with
all sporting Padre hats.  He gave them the thumbs up before Ruiz came from
behind and knocked off his hat.  He leaned over and picked up his hat to
hear the screaming kids along the rails wanting his autograph.  He walked
over and saw a rainbow flag being waved.  He began signing as many
autographs as he could before the bullpen coach, Tim Reynolds, pulled him
away.  He jogged out to the bullpen area and heard a loud cheer with many
rainbow flags being waved.

"Rookie, they don't do that shit for me," Warmack said.  "You're special."

"Hombre is special," another reliever said.

"Thanks guys," Josh said almost embarrassed by the attention and took his
seat with the crowd still yelling and applauding.

"Josh, tip your hat so they will be seated," Coach Reynolds said.

Josh tipped his hat towards them and said thanks for their support.  He
waited and stood for the National Anthem with the Mets on the field.  Josh
took his seat after the Anthem.

"Hey faggot Padre, meet me after the game and you can suck my big dick!" a
guy yelled from the stands in a distinct accent.  Josh turned his head and
saw a big fat guy standing by the bullpen with a beer in his hand.

Warmack, Reynolds and two other relievers stood up and began pointing at
the guy.  Security guards came racing down the aisle and handcuffed the guy
to take him away to a round of applause.

"Someone wanted their ass kicked," Warmack said.

Josh shook his head and felt his coach's hand.  "Forget that shit.  You're
here to do a job.  We've got your back," Coach Reynolds said.

Warmack pulled out his can of tobacco and stuck it out towards Josh.  Josh
took the can and stuffed his front lip.  It was something he did in Double
A ball to be one of the guys.  Josh sat and watched the game with the team
scoring two runs in the first.  Reynolds sat close to him as the starter,
Nick Fullmer, started working.  Josh listened to his coach and took mental
notes despite the starter being a right hander.

By the end of the fourth inning, the team was up four to nothing and scored
three more in the fifth inning.

"Gonna be a quiet night for us," Warmack said with his hands behind his
head and leaning back in his bullpen chair.  "Fully is cruising out there."

"We hope," Reynolds said with Josh getting up to get some water.

Going into the bottom of the seventh, it was still seven to zip.  Reynolds
took a call from the dugout and told Josh and another reliever to limber up
just in case Fullmer tired.  Josh did his thing while watching the game.
The first guy walked on four straight pitches.  The next one hit a sharp
single to right.  The bullpen phone rang.

"Holtzie get ready," Reynolds announced.

Josh grabbed a ball and softly tossed to the catcher for a few pitches.  He
stepped on the mound and began firing the ball.  He was noted for his
rubber arm and ability to get ready in a hurry despite just converting to
the bullpen.  The crowd roared or what was left of them with a run scoring.
Josh was joined by the other reliever and moved over.  Another hit followed
to score another run.  The pitching coach walked to the mound to allow the
righty next to Josh more time.  The next batter struck out with the manager
walking out to the mound with Josh warmed up and ready.  Now Josh was
standing and watching on the mound.  He watched Garman tap his left arm.

"Holtzie, it's you!" Reynolds said.

"Go get em, Holtzie," Warmack said.

Josh saw the gate open and started jogging out to the mound.  All the hard
work and dedication in his life had led to this moment.  He kept his head
down and tried breathing yet still was very nervous.  He got to the mound
with Pat slamming the ball in his left hand.  "Holtzie, there's a lefty
free swinger due up.  Get us out of this inning," Pat said and patted Josh
on the rear before leaving.

The catcher told Josh the situation and the hitter's strength before
jogging back to catch Josh's warm up tosses.  Josh heard the PA
announcement, "Now pitching for the Padres, Number 55, Josh Holtzmeyer."
Josh heard the roar with some boos mixed in.

Josh did his warm up tosses with the catcher bringing out the ball.  "Throw
to first but not your best move.  We'll go from there."

Josh stepped behind the mound and back up on the rubber.  He focused on the
catcher with runners at first and third.  He took a deep breath and began
his stretch.  He made a soft toss to first and got the ball back.  The
catcher wanted a fastball inside.  Josh came home and fired a perfect
strike over the inside corner at 94 miles per hour.  It was a relief for
him not to have the ball end up on the back screen.  He got his sign and
delivered another fastball high and outside with the left handed hitter
barely able to check his swing.  The next pitch was perfect again and on
the inside corner to be called a ball.  Josh was disappointed with the call
but knew it was part of the game.  He fired over to first and almost ended
the inning with the runner barely getting back.  The next pitch was another
fastball that was fouled straight back to the screen.  Josh got a new ball
and rubbed it up.  He saw the catcher call for a curve ball and was happy
inside to see it called.  He stretched and delivered it home.  The batter
froze and watched the pitch hit the catcher's mitt.

"Sttttrike threeee!" the home plate umpire called.

Josh walked off the mound and saw fans clapping and waving small rainbow
flags.  The catcher handed him the ball and patted his rear.  Josh sat in
the dugout and exhaled with a guy taking the ball for safe keeping.

"Great job," James said and patted him on the leg.

Fullmer came over and patted his leg.  "Thanks for getting us out of that."

Josh sat on the bench with the pitching coach coming over to tell him that
he would pitch another inning unless they batted around.  Josh sat soaking
it all in and was trying his hardest not to smile.  The catcher sat next to
him and went over the next few hitters.  It was a quick inning with Josh
trotting back out to the mound but did sneak a peek at his family.  He did
his warm up tosses and took the ball.  He gave up a weak single to right
and struck out two more.  Pat greeted him on the top step and said his
night was over as well as congratulating him on his debut.  Josh was able
to smile and was disappointed giving up the hit.

The next inning was quick and the game was over.  Josh lined up to
congratulate his teammates before going down the tunnel into the locker
room.  Josh began undoing his uniform and soon saw the press making their
way towards his locker.  He saw TV cameras and close to thirty reporters
gathered around his locker.  They began asking questions such as did he
feel like Jackie Robinson and what were his feelings about being the first
openly gay major leaguer.  Josh answered each one with honesty and respect
without saying too much.

It took close to thirty minutes before Pat asked that they leave so Josh
could be with his family.  Josh showered, dressed and walked out with the
ball from his first strike out.  He began looking around until a security
guard pointed him in the direction of his family.  He saw his Dad and
walked over to him to hand him the ball and kissed his mom on the cheek.
He wasn't able to stay long and said that they'd meet them back at the
hotel.

Back at the hotel, Josh signed a few autographs before going inside and up
to his room.  Kyle was there and greeted him with a kiss.

"So was it everything you thought it'd be?" Kyle asked.

"I guess so.  I'm glad that it is over and done with.  The fucking press
was amazing," Josh replied.  "Did Mom and Dad enjoy it?"

"Josh, we were all besides ourselves when we saw you jogging in from the
bullpen.  Your Dad said that you throw that guy a curveball and strike him
out."

"Let me call and see if they are still up.  Then we'll go out with Hayden
to celebrate," Josh said.  Josh called his parents and heard that they were
still awake and waiting on him plus saw about 20 text messages that he had.

Josh and Kyle went to their room.  Josh now could clearly see how excited
they were with his Dad still holding the ball in his right hand.

"Son, this means more to me than you'll ever know," his Dad said.  "I've
always been proud of you for being who you are but tonight took to a whole
new level.  They will remember your name forever just like they do for
Jackie Robinson."

"I appreciate that but Jackie Robinson was special and in a totally
different era.  I heard one ignorant ass guy but other than that I heard
cheers and saw the flags," Josh said.  "Other than dealing with the press,
my teammates had nothing bad to say to me."

"Josh, you do need to realize that you are special.  No openly gay player
has ever taken the field before tonight.  I'm so proud of you," his Mom
said.  "Now, I've got to figure out how to get that ball out of your Dad's
hand."

"Susan, we may end up fighting," his Dad said and held up the ball.

Hayden came in the room.  "My brother's a superstar now.  Josh, you're
trending on Twitter."

"Are you serious?" Josh asked.

"Yeah, there's nearly 20K tweets about you," Hayden replied.

"See I told you how special tonight was," his Mom said.

"Unreal," Josh said.

They talked to Josh's parents for a few minutes before leaving.  The three
saw James in the lobby and said hi to him.  James asked where they were
going.  All they knew was out to celebrate.  James said he'd tag along
since he had nothing better to do.

They went out to celebrate Josh's debut at a local restaurant and didn't
get back to the hotel until after two to end the day and night.

With the next two games being day games, it meant Josh would leave early
while Kyle and Josh's family explored the city.  Josh arrived at the park
and worked out before shagging fly balls in the outfield and just being one
of the guys.  The game started and was opposite of the night before with
the Mets scoring early.  Josh sat in the bullpen and watched while assuming
that he wouldn't get in the game.  He didn't but still had to deal with the
press afterwards.

Back at the hotel, Josh was able to eat with his family and boyfriend.  It
was an early night with Josh and Kyle in bed early to be real lovers.  Josh
topped his boyfriend and again enjoyed being with Kyle sexually.

Sunday, Josh spent as much time as he could with his family and Kyle since
Josh knew right after the game they'd be flying out.  He boarded the bus
just before it left and sat across from Warmack since James was starting
and took a taxi early to the park.

Josh trotted out the bullpen and saw many flags and people holding up
signs.  He signed a few autographs before standing for the anthem.  In the
first inning with the Padres batting, a ball came heading in their
direction.  The other relievers sat while Josh chased the ball down.  He
grabbed it and saw a young boy asking for it.  He tossed the home run to
the kid.

The Padres were up six to two heading into the ninth inning with Josh just
sitting and knowing that he wouldn't get in the game since their closer was
warming up and entering the game to close out the victory plus needed some
work.  Before the inning began, Reynolds handed Josh a ball and told him to
be ready just in case plus there were no other real options for a left
hander left.  Josh leisurely loosened up and watched.  Before they knew it,
the game was at six to four with runners on second and third with just one
out.  The closer, Jacobs, had thrown over thirty pitches when Garman walked
slowly to the mound with the knowledge Josh was ready.  He took the ball
and pointed to the bullpen.

Josh jogged out and took the ball from the manager.

"Show me what you're made of Holtzie," Garman said.

"I will," Josh said with the ball being slammed in his hand.  Josh knew now
this was real and his team needed him to do his job.  He finished his warm
up tosses and waited for a right handed pinch hitter to come up.  The
hitter worked the count to 2 and 1 before fouling off three straight
pitches.  Josh's dad was sitting and leaning forward in his wheelchair
while Kyle and Susan were pacing behind.  Josh got the sign on the 2 ball 2
strike pitch and delivered a changeup.  The hitter was completely fooled by
the pitch since it was Josh's first in the big leagues.  The catcher threw
ball back and was pounding his fist in his glove for encouragement.  The
next hitter was a left hander and his first strikeout victim from Friday.
Josh got the sign and threw another changeup.  It resulted in a weak ground
ball to second to end the game.  Josh put his head down and took the ball
from the first baseman to record his first save.

Josh took the congratulations from his teammates with James giving him a
big hug for securing his win.  Josh was one of the last to leave the field
and saw his family and Kyle by the dugout.  With the ball in hand, Josh
walked over to his dad and handed it to him with cameras sounding off as he
did so.

"My boy," his dad said with tears in his eyes, taking the ball securely in
his right hand.

"I had a job to do and did it, Dad.  I'll miss y'all.  I wish you were
coming to San Diego with me," Josh said.

"Us too but you know your Dad will be glued to the TV no matter how late
your games run," his mom said.  Josh kissed his mom and dad and shook
Hayden and Kyle's hand before heading back to the locker room.

Josh headed to the trainer's room to escape the press and to shower.  He
wrapped his arm even though there was nothing wrong.  He gave a few quick
statements and answered a few questions before packing to leave.

On the charter plane, Josh took his seat and pulled out his phone to text
his brother and Kyle.  Shortly after take-off with some of the players
already sleeping, Josh saw Pat Garman, the manager, walking back.  He sat
next to Josh.

"Holtzie, I knew that you could do out it there today.  I'm sorry to put in
such a tight spot but I didn't have many options left.  I'm proud of you
for saving the team's ass out there today," Pat said.

"Thanks for having faith in me, Coach.  About the tight spot, if you can't
rely on me, then my ass should be in Triple A again."

"Great attitude, Holtzie.  All weekend you showed why we did what we did.
You handled the press with such grace.  I don't know too many other rookies
that could have done it in that situation."

"Thanks again.  I was prepared mentally for it and just did it," Josh said.

They discussed things coming up with Josh having a room in a hotel near the
park.  Josh liked that idea so he could be at the park early and work out
plus study the hitters for the next series.  After Pat left and eating
something, Josh kicked back and was able to get a little sleep.  He knew
that it was much better than the jammed Triple A plane trips or worse, the
long bus rides in the lower minors.

Nearing the end, James came to sit with Josh.  James offered to let him
stay with him but refused since he knew about James's family with two young
boys.  After landing, Josh took a taxi to his hotel near the park in
downtown San Diego.

With the time difference, Josh was up early on Monday with a three game
series scheduled against the Pirates, Brewers and Braves.  The Pirates were
four games up on them for the last wild card so the series was important
plus the trade deadline was a week away.  Josh headed down for breakfast
and grabbed a national paper.  He read the sports and saw an article about
how two of his teammates anonymously were quoted as disliking Josh's media
circus and presence on the team.  Josh was very disappointed to read such
and thought things were okay between him and his teammates.

Leaving breakfast, Josh got a call from his dad.  His dad was very angry
with the comments that he'd read.  Josh agreed with him to a point.  Josh
was glad to hear that his family had made it safely and were now
celebrities back home in Texas.

At one, Josh headed to the park to work out and get acquainted with the
stadium.  Josh worked hard along with another rookie and a veteran.  He
left to shower and was approached by the media relationships director of
the team.  He was flooded with requests for interviews and sat down with
Josh.  Josh saw the list of requests which included all the major sports
media outlets.  Josh thought it over and said he'd be more than happy to do
a couple each day with a big sit down with ESPN and SI on his off day at
his hotel.

Josh readied for batting practice with his teammates in the locker room.
James walked over and slammed down the paper on Josh's stool.  "You saw
this shit, right?"

"I did," Josh replied.

"I'm calling a meeting before the game.  This makes me fucking sick to my
stomach," James stated.

"Okay," Josh said and jogged out onto the field for his first home game.
He stretched and did some long toss with Warmack before doing his duty to
shag flyballs.

Thirty minutes before the game and after the press was gone, James slammed
the door shut.  "Alright, we all now have seen the press.  I'll agree that
it was a circus in New York but this shit about Josh's presence on the team
is uncalled for.  I'm disappointed in my teammates for saying such shit and
being fucking cowards in the process.  We saw the job that he did and is
helping us stay in this race.  If you've got a problem with him let's hear
now or better yet find your agent and request a trade if you can't handle
his so called presence in the locker room," James stated in a tirade.

"Whoever said that shit should be ashamed," Warmack said.

"Fuck it, I was one who said that shit," Howard said and stood.  "I said I
wasn't happy with all the attention due to his presence.  They worded that
shit to make it sound like I didn't like the dude."

The third baseman, Ross Adams, stood, "I was the other one.  I said that I
wasn't happy that we had a gay player in our locker room now.  I know it's
not politically correct but I don't."

"Ross, we know you hold bible studies for the group and I've attended
several times," James said.  "That will be my last time.  You talked about
love for your fellow man but I don't see it from you.  I believe there's
not a one of us in this group that is perfect.  Imagine if we told about
the girlfriend on the trip when the wife was home with the kids."

"At least, he's straight," Ross said.

Josh stood, "Ross, I respect your position even though I don't agree with
it.  All I or anyone else on team ask is your respect as a player."

"You've got that, Holtzie.  We all don't have to be friends and like each
other.  We just have to go out there and do our best for a win.  I'll
promise you that I give it my all every night just like everyone else
does," Ross stated.

"So are we all clear now?  If nothing else, just say no comment when
approached by the press," James said.

"Guys, I want to apologize again for the media and all that you have to
deal with now.  I hate it for you but you're more than welcome to fill for
me anytime you'd like.  I wanna do my job, walk in here, get dressed and
leave but I know that's not possible.  I hate it more than you do," Josh
said.

"You're a brave dude," Jacobs said.  "I respect the hell out of you.  I
hope you don't have to ever come bail my ass out again."

"We don't either, Jacobs," Warmack said. "Holtzie is a good guy.  I hate to
be in his shoes and deal with what he has to deal with just because he's
gay and out."

The meeting was finished with the manager and coaches walking in.  The
manager expressed his disappointment and didn't want to know who the
culprits were.  He spoke about the importance of the series and for the
guys to give their all.

Josh put on his uniform and was very proud to be wearing the team white
ones.  He walked out and jogged to the bullpen with fans cheering him on.
He stood for the anthem and sat next to Warmack.

"Adams had a lot of business saying that shit.  You can't say that when
you're hitting .225 and making tons of errors too," Warmack said.

"He has his beliefs and it won't be the first time I've dealt with
that. The last guy who said something ended up being my buddy by the end of
the year but I doubt that will happen," Josh said and put some tobacco in
his lip.

Josh never got up during the game, which was a loss.  He walked in the
locker room and did two quick interviews with the local press.  The media
director found Josh after he'd showered and said someone was outside
wanting to speak to him in private.

Josh went out of the locker room into the dark halls.  He saw a veteran
umpire, who was out, standing and waiting on him.

"First, I wanted to congratulate you and say how proud I am of you for the
way that you've handled things," the umpire said.

"I appreciate that.  I did see you were in our series," Josh said.

"I am but I won't make it behind the plate for this one.  From one gay man
to another, I wanted to offer words of encouragement to you.  Keep doing
what you're doing."

"I'm trying."

"I just wanted to stop by and do congratulate you.  Maybe down the road
I'll be behind the plate for one of your games.  Don't expect any
favoritism..."

"Never, sir.  This has made me day," Josh said.

The umpire left with Josh returning to the locker room.  Josh told James
about the meeting and dressed.  Josh headed to the hotel and up to his
room.  He got on his phone and Twitter for the first time to see all the
good and bad tweets.  He sent one short one out thanking everyone for their
support.

The next day, Josh did a few phone interviews and hoped soon the media
attention would die down.  That night in the seventh with the Padres
leading four to two, Josh entered the game to start the seventh.  He stood
on the mound to hear the cheers and now missed having his family there but
knew his Dad was glued to the TV.  Josh rubbed his right arm as his
personal and private signal to his Dad and Kyle if they were watching.
Josh walked the first batter on five pitches before getting a perfect
double play grounder before striking out the next batter.  His night was
finished after one inning of work with the team coming away with the
victory.

The next night, he came in the eighth inning to retire a left handed hitter
in a one run game to help the team to another victory.

On his off day, Thursday, he did his two interviews in the hotel with ESPN
and SI.  Once finished, he was told that the team had traded for a veteran
power hitting third baseman and had released Adams in the move.  He didn't
know if the team was aware of Adams' dislike for him.  James called shortly
after seeing the news and said how karma was a bitch that just bit Adams in
the ass.

Josh spent most of the rest of the day on the phone with Kyle.  They did
Facetime to see each other.  Kyle wanted to fly out in August to spend time
with Josh but since Josh's situation wasn't stable, he suggested that Kyle
wait until September.  Josh grabbed his fan mail, which was about 25
letters and shared some of the nice letters with Kyle while they were on
the phone.  Three were hate mail which Josh discarded.  One was very
touching from a mother whose son was gay yet committed suicide.  There
wasn't a return envelope but Josh took the time to her a nice note.  He did
get a few from fans that were gay and wanted an autograph.  Josh signed
each item with Kyle watching via FaceTime.

The long home stand continued while seeing action on Saturday night and
allowing his first two runs on a single and home run.  He was upset even
though the team won the game.  He stayed late with the pitching coach going
over the events that led up to and including the long home run.  The coach
liked what he saw and the fact that Josh was willing to learn from his
mistakes.

With the Braves in town, Josh got in two games and didn't allow a
baserunner in the two innings that he pitched.  After Wednesday's game, Pat
Garman approached Josh's locker and requested that he have a word.  Josh
feared the worst entering the coach's office.

"Holtzie, you said something about a number's game..."

"Damn," Josh uttered.

"I said the same thing but we need a spot for a veteran reliever out of
options.  Son, I hate it that we're sending you down."

"It's part of the game that I'm afraid that I'm beginning to know far too
well," Josh said.  "However, thank you for allowing me the opportunity of a
lifetime.  I hope that I'll see you soon."

"No doubt that you will.  The best part for you will be the fact that you
meet the team in Round Rock," Pat stated.

Josh smiled since it was close to his hometown and he could see his family
and Kyle.  "It could be worse."

"You'll miss going to Chicago and Milwaukee.  I'll deal with the press
there.  Josh, don't get too down though.  You did one hell of a job here
but we needed a roster spot.  You'll be here in September or sooner."

Josh stood, spoke with James and headed to meet with the traveling
secretary.  He called home and gave them the mixed news.  All were
disappointed yet excited to see him again.

Josh arrived in Round Rock the next day.  He was happy to get a small break
from the press and be with his family as well as sleep in his own bed.  His
old teammates welcomed him back with open arms.  Josh was on the field
early so that he could speak with his family.  His Dad was upset that the
team had sent him back down after he had done so well.  Josh explained the
situation and assured him that he'd be returning soon.

Josh didn't get in the game and rode to his apartment with his parents and
Kyle.  Josh was over his disappointment the second the two got naked to
have sex.  The two swapped head before Kyle was on his back and ready to
feel his boyfriend inside of him.  Josh smiled with his hard throbbing 8
inches entering Kyle.

"Kyle, I don't know which is better... you know fuck it.  This is about us
and not my fucking job!  My job right now is to make love to a guy who I
loved since the eleventh grade," Josh said.

The two made love and got noisy with the passion for each other coming
forth.  Josh wished that he could last longer and did last ten minutes
inside of Kyle before they began cumming.

After sex, the two lay next to each other.

"Josh, I am proud of you no matter what happens from this point forward.
You did something that I don't know that I could have done."

"You could have done it, Kyle.  Remember how scared we were the night we
came out to our parents after spring break our senior year," Josh said.
"That was ten times worse than what I just endured for two weeks."

"I guess.  That was pretty frightening.  The ace pitcher with scouts at
every fucking game and his shortstop basically saying what the entire
school knew," Kyle said.

"Tell me about it," Josh said.

"Do you think you'd been drafted if they'd known then?" Kyle asked.

"You've asked that before and again I'll say I doubt it," Josh said and
tickled him.  They rolled around the bed until agreeing Kyle needed his
rest for work the next day.

Saturday night after hot steamy sex, Josh knew the next day that he was
leaving.  He clung to Kyle.  "Next year, if things go as planned, I want
you to move to San Diego with me..."

"Josh, as much as I'd like to, we've talked about this..."

"I know but you realize the salary that I'll be making.  I'm only talking
six months," Josh said.

"You'll only be home half the time then.  Then say you get sent down, then
what?" Kyle asked.

"As usual, you're the one with the degree and the smart one.  I just miss
you so much."

"I miss you too.  We knew this when you started Rookie ball," Kyle said.

"As glamorous as it sounds, playing baseball actually sucks ass when it
comes to having a serious relationship."

"It does but I rather it be this way than us being apart.  Being alone
often, I do question whether it is the right decision or not until we're
together again.  There will never be another one for me..."

"Me either.  Maybe this winter, we should tie the knot," Josh said.  "Kyle
if I had a ring, I'd propose to you right now."

"And I'd say yes in a heartbeat," Kyle said and felt Josh's lips on his.

"Will you marry me?"

"Every day and night of the week," Kyle replied. "Will you marry me?"

"I'd do it tomorrow," Josh replied.

"I'm not sure but I think we're now engaged."

"I think we are," Josh said.

Kyle rolled over to begin kissing him.  With the two kissing with great
passion, Kyle felt Josh's cock getting hard again.  He reached and found
Josh's cock.  He applied a little lube and stuck it inside his ass.  He
moaned while starting to ride Josh's hard cock.  He felt Josh's big hands
on his ass and then Josh's lips on his nice body.  The two made slow love
until late in the night.

They woke the next morning and made love again.  They did so since they
weren't sure when they would together next.  Josh left for the park and did
get in the game with just his Dad and Kyle in attendance.  Being in the
minors, Josh was able to spend extra time with them after the game.

Josh boarded the bus since it wasn't that far to his home park.  He arrived
late and went to his apartment.  Every day he was at the park early to work
out while keeping up with the big club that was now slumping on their road
trip.

After Wednesday's game at back at his apartment, he got a late night call.
The Padres wanted him back and told him to meet the team at home for a
series that started on Thursday night.  Josh sent Kyle a text that he was
recalled but waited until he was at the airport the next morning to call
his family.

Josh was back at the park Thursday night and meet with Pat.  Pat basically
assured him that he was with the club for the rest of the year based
entirely on his ability and nothing else.  The players welcomed him back
and told him that he was needed since they'd slipped back to being three
games out of the last Wild Card spot.  Josh saw the massive amount of fan
mail too.

On Saturday night, Josh entered the game in the ninth with the game tied
with the Marlins.  He gave up a hit but went back to the dugout without
giving up a run.  The Padres didn't score so Josh trotted back to the mound
and worked his second inning.  He walked a batter but didn't allow a run.
The recently acquired third baseman led off the inning and sent on deep
into the left field stands to end the game with a victory.  Josh joined his
teammates to celebrate the victory around home plate.

Pat walked up to Josh who was walking away from the excited group of
players.  "Congrats on your first major league victory."

"Wow I didn't realize it until you said that," Josh said and broke out a
nice smile.  Josh entered with James and a host of others congratulating
him on the victory despite not having a ball to commemorate the milestone.
The press did show up at his locker but it was only a few.  Josh was happy
to give them what they wanted.

Josh showered and dressed to walk back to the hotel.  He pulled out his
phone to see a text from his brother and Kyle.  Despite the late hour, he
called his Dad.  His Dad picked up the phone and was very excited for his
son on his first win of the year.

Now the publicity and coverage of Josh was down to a bare minimum.  Josh
didn't mind since he was there for one purpose, help the team win games.
He didn't care for living out of a hotel but knew there was no other
choice.

In the next series, Josh suffered his first loss.  He came with the team up
a run in the seventh and gave up a walk and a hit before leaving.  Warmack
came jogging in with two outs to get the team out of a jam.  Instead, he
grooved a two ball no strike pitch and watched it sail into the left field
stands with both of Josh's runners scoring.  The team didn't come back so
he was tagged with the loss.  Warmack felt bad for Josh but Josh knew it
was part of the game.  He was upset with the fact that he'd let his team
down and didn't deliver.

The season continued with Josh staying on the roster for the rest of the
year.  They trailed by two going into the last series of the year.  They
won both of them with the Pirates losing both of their games.  However, the
Pirates had clinched the last wild card spot with a victory just as the
Padres took the field.

Josh's year was excellent by giving up just six runs in twenty three
innings.  He had twenty strikeouts and ten walks with his record being one
win and one loss.

Josh left San Diego to fly to get his things and vehicle.  It was a nine
hour drive home and gave him plenty of time to assess the season and the
events.  More than anything, he proved by the end that he could pitch in
the big leagues and pitch effectively.  He was now driven more than ever to
make pitching his career.

THE END

I hope you enjoyed my story.  One day it will happen.

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