First Time Up by Declan Rhodes

There are plenty of firsts for a big league baseball player. There’s the first time up to bat. There’s the first time you hit a home run, and there’s the first time you go to bed with a man.
Eric’s team, the Charlotte Yellowjackets, has experienced the coming out of two players and a coach all in one season. Romance fever has gripped the fans, and straight arrow Eric fears everyone is ignoring his banner season. Then he meets Harley, the right fielder called up to replace his best friend, Chase.

Harley grew up as a small-town boy from southern Indiana. He’s been a journeyman over six seasons in the minor leagues. When he thinks his baseball career is nearly over, he’s called up by the Yellowjackets to take over right field. He’s muscular and fast, and he’s pursued only women until he meets Eric.

It’s not long before one night together turns into a relationship sharing custody of their dog, Rudy, from Harley’s local charitable cause, an animal shelter. They move in, come out, make plans for the future, and then the roof caves in. Will love, the support of friends, and a national movement of fans be enough to keep the new couple together?