Amor/Odio

Topeka, Kansas has a large Mexican population.  You wouldn't necessarily know it from the census data (Which is stupid, as it includes too much of the outlying county folk in its tally.  If you don't drive on Huntoon at least twice a week, you're not a Topekan), but trust me:  it's visible and significant.

Days after my 16th birthday, for whatever reason--be it fate or good looks or superior skills--I was asked by a hispanic guy (Gabe) from school to play on his team, Los Locos, in a local league called, brilliantly, Mexican League.  I don't want to make this post overly dramatic, but MEXICAN LEAGUE CHANGED MY LIFE.