I don't think it's bad form at all -- I told bridgetmkennitt (the mod here) that I was sending you over and I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see some activity. I know she wants there to be a place on IJ where all sorts of sports fans can post.
And me? So not a sports fan. Which is why I'm sitting here wondering why I enjoyed reading this so much. Having the backstory helped, it really does seem like a fictional plot. But more than that, I love your writing and how you've captured how Alex matures over the years, yet never loses his urge to please Derek. DJ. Jete. Such a wonderful detail, trying out the nicknames. He's an exuberant puppy dog and I see why Derek would stay mad, but it would be hard.
And it doesn't hurt that 2005 sounds like something that happened post-Trinity with McShep. ;)