Blake Kennan had always considered himself to be a Godly Christian man. But some where he had lost his way. He didn't know when or how. But he had lost all the things in his life that had once been important to him. His wife, and daughter. But not his career.

Blake's career was flourishing. He was vying for this year's MVP award. He was the National League's most valued catcher. This year alone he had thrown out over fifty runners trying to steel second. He had an arm that could fire balls faster than you could blink an eye. Not only did he have a good arm, he had a good eye. His batting average was up there with the best. By the end of the year he might be over 400. His home run average was growing with each game. It was almost guaranteed that he'd hit a home run at least once in any given game. He was practically leading the Boston Brewer's to the National League Championship. People had certainly stood up and taken notice of him.

Everyone, that is, but his wife.

Dallas Kennan had walked out on their marriage two weeks earlier after yet another fierce argument about his drinking and carousing. She had always loved him, but he wasn't sure she still did. Nor was he certain of his feelings for her. He felt his marriage was dissolving under the duress of his sudden and unexpected notoriety.

He couldn't help himself. Not many people were able to do what he had accomplished this year. This was every man's dream come true. MVP, National League Championship. There was every possibility they may go all the way to the world series. What could be any better than that?

Dallas just didn't understand him. It wasn't like he was being unfaithful. He'd always been true to his wife. He had to admit, though, that it was flattering to have women flaunting themselves at him, chasing after him. It made him feel masculine and dominant. Something that had been lacking in his own marriage.

He didn't want things to be misunderstood. At one time he had truly loved his wife. But there had been something missing for some time now. The spark in their lives had fizzled. Passion was almost non-existent. Maybe it was because he had spent so much time away from home, traveling from state to state. Plus there was the baby. Ellen was just six months old. Having a new baby was stressful in itself. And here Dallas was trying to take care of her all by herself. No wonder she was tired and irritable most of the time.

Blake didn't understand the complications of raising a new born or the responsibilities that came with it. He was gone most of the time. Even when he was home he had daily work outs and practice sessions, weight training, and nutritional counseling. He had a hectic schedule. Then there was all the media attention on top of that. He had to schedule interview times not only for the newspapers, but the magazines, and the radio and news stations. There were also autograph sessions. It was a never ending task. He was very much in demand. And it felt great.

He only wished Dallas could understand. Something like this didn't come along every day. And with the season he was having, he was certainly going to get a hefty raise next year. He might even get him a nice bonus when the season was over.

Anything was possible.

Blake squatted down behind home plate. It was the third inning. There was a runner on first and two outs and the count was three balls and two strikes. The runner was anxious to move on the next pitch. He was teasing Blake. He'd step off of first and dance back and forth in eager anticipation.

The pitcher studied Blake's fingers for the sign. He waited a few seconds, lifted his left leg, then fired the ball. The batter swung the bat, but missed the ball. The ball hit the ground bouncing erratically. Blake lunged to block the ball with his chest. When he leaned forward just a hair too much, his head came in contact with the bat.

Blake felt the piercing blow. His helmet split down the middle. His protective face mask came flying off. His head whipped back and immediately he fell to the ground, lifeless.

The roaring crowd silenced, stunned. All they could do was stand there and watch the horrifying picture unfold in front of them.

Immediately the umpire bent down and felt for a pulse. He motioned for the doctor who rushed out to the field. The batter stood nearby, just staring down at the limp body. He felt a rush of guilt steal through his body. He began to pray as the team physician prepared the body to be transported to the nearest hospital. Men in the dugouts were huddled together praying and giving each other support. The mood surrounding them was somber and foreboding.

It seemed an eternity before Blake was placed on the stretcher. With meticulous effort he was lifted off the ground. Surrounded by medical personnel of every kind, Blake was escorted off the field and into a private alcove that would lead to the garage where the ambulance sat waiting for him.

Once he was secured inside the ambulance, the vehicle pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the hospital. Blake was still unconscious when he arrived.