Base and Balls (Sports Stringer)

Warm-up

Derby

“So, Derby, tell me what has you excited about this new expansion team?” Jason asked.

He had sandy brown hair and a sweet face and was attractive in that boy-next-door way if you liked that sort of thing, which I didn’t.

He was interviewing me for a sports network, and his business partner, Nix, was videotaping.

I was comfortable in front of the camera. Let’s face it, I’m a media hound.

I shifted on my stool, leaning on my left arm a little, posing.

“That’s just it. An expansion team!” I threw my arms up dramatically, completely aware of the camera rolling.

“The MLB hasn’t expanded since the nineties.

I’m not sure how Mobile managed it, since they weren’t even on the short list, but I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes. ” I smiled. I was on.

Jason smiled back. He leaned closer. “Mobile is closer to home for you.”

It wasn’t a question, but it was one I’d been answering a lot since being traded to the new Mobile Mystics expansion team.

“It is. I’m from Alabama. So being here is not a bad thing, but honestly, the reason this is so good is because I can make a difference here.

I can help build this team, and that’s what I’m going to do. ”

“It’s going to be easier to do as one of the three starting pitchers in the bull pen.” He glanced down at his cue cards. “You were not in the starting lineup at your last team. You were the third cleanup and barely had field time. You must be happy about that change.”

I looked directly into the camera and gave them my shit-eating smirk, the one I knew lit my eyes up playfully. “Anyone would be. Of course I’m ready to play.” I couldn’t have been flirting more unless I winked and blew a kiss. I refrained from that, but I was fresh and knew it.

“Okay. Our time is almost up, but I know everyone wants to know if there’s a special someone in your life, or are you still MLB’s most eligible?”

I laughed a little. Certainly, nobody gave a damn if I was single. I shook my head. “I’m focusing on my career right now.”

Jason turned to the camera and wrapped things up with a few words I didn’t bother listening to. Then Nix called for the cut. “That’s it, guys. Thank you so much for sitting with us, Derby. You’ve been a real sport.” He moved closer and shook my hand.

“For you two, any time.” I shook Jason’s hand, too, but he didn’t let go.

“Want to grab something to eat?” He looked at me with a hopeful, open face.

I frowned a bit. I hadn’t meant to over-flirt. At least not with him. “Uh, sorry. I can’t. I have to get back to the clubhouse.” I poked a thumb over my shoulder as if my destination was behind me.

“Oh, sure.” Jason sounded disappointed, and his face dropped as he released my hand. Nix had compassionate eyes, giving me the impression that Jason didn’t put himself out a lot.

“Rain check?” I asked, knowing damn well I wouldn’t take him up on it.

“Sure. Sounds good. We’ll see you.” Jason waved, then turned and busied himself with something that seemed like a lot of nothing.

He had my sympathy, but I didn’t feel anything beyond friendship for him.

That zing was missing, and I’d promised myself long ago that I wouldn’t date anyone that didn’t make me feel like a volcano about to erupt inside me simply from looking at him.

It wasn’t worth it otherwise. Plus, I had to be careful.

A lot of attitudes had changed in the sports world, but I wasn’t sure how Major League Baseball was going to accept a gay player.

I was somewhat confident it would be okay, but I didn’t want to be their gay poster boy, either.

No, if I was going to come out, it had to be one hundred and fifty percent worth it.