Crossing Cultures & Courts
Sometimes, the path to a new adventure begins with a single post. One afternoon while in a Mérida Black American group on Facebook I stumbled upon a message that caught my attention:
When I moved to Mérida, I was seeking more than just a change of scenery from the wild Miami's pace. I hoped to find connections that resonated on a deeper level. Here was Abe, he was looking for sponsors for his team's jerseys. He was offering to feature the sponsors' logos on the jerseys in return. The team, known as Inter (short for Internationals) had reached the finals the past two seasons, walking away with the chip once out of those two years. Abe wore many hats: player, sometimes the coach, and even manager. His post struck a chord, so I hit him up. After a few introductory messages Abe invited me to catch their next game. Here was someone who seemed to live and breath basketball and community too— a kindred spirit.
The night of the game I arrived at Gimnasio Polifuncional, one of Mérida's outdoor basketball complexes. The air was still thick with humidity, and a warm breeze occasionally slid thru the courts offering a brief relief. The colorful courts looked their age, from the worn asphalt, to the rims that had weathered countless shots and Merida storms. Yet, the love of basketball hung in the air. You could feel the presence in the rhythmic bounce of the ball, the skidding of sneakers on the court, and the animated banter of players and onlookers.
As I walked toward the court, I saw Abe amongst the team warming up. The team name truly reflected their identity. They were a unique blend of cultures and backgrounds of fellas coming together to hoop.I immediately noticed the team's laughter and joy first. They all looked genuinely happy and ready to ball. There was a chemistry and familiarity that was evident in their interaction. I watched Abe move as best as one could between English and Spanish, checking in with each player, cracking jokes, and ensuring everyone was ready. His ability to navigate between cultures, languages, and roles- from player to coach to friend is a testament to his dedication. Abe shared, "I speak both English and Spanish, so when it comes to connecting with the team, I have no problems. Sometimes I mix up words, but it's all part of the fun. It's about spending time together, getting to know each other, that's how you become brothers."
The game was what you'd expect from a competitive league that's not pro. It had its ups and downs. There were moments of brilliance, one of the Inter players caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting a trio of threes that got everyone hyped. For a few good minutes, their defense was tight, the other team could barely get a shot up. But there were also times when you could tell they needed more practice, from missed passes to plays that didn't quite connect. Yet, through it all, they looked like they were genuinely enjoying themselves. Abe was both in the game and orchestrating it—running plays and looking for holes in the defense, and always keeping the energy high. They pulled off the win that night. It wasn't a flawless victory, but it did look like genuine and unencumbered fun. Watching them reminded me that while competition has its place, sometimes it's about the simple joy of playing the game we love. Perfection or a smooth jump shot isn't necessary; effort and enthusiasm are. When those come together, you're almost always gonna be satisfied with the outcome. Leaving the court that night, I felt inspired. I decided I'd sponsor Inter's jerseys; it just felt right. The High Post was still young, but I wanted the brand to be recognized locally as well as digitally- to be part of a physical community making a difference and bringing communities together online.
On any given night at Mérida's basketball courts, you'll find people from all walks of life. The games can get intense, playing through contact, dealing with invisible shot clocks, thirty-second timeouts that feel more like fifteen, but that's all part of the charm and growth.
"Basketball is growing in popularity here," Abe mentioned. "When we first started, they weren't broadcasting the games live or handing out big trophies. Now they are. There's more attention on social media, and new courts are being built. I'm excited—anything that's helping kids evolve is a blessing."
I’ve gotten to know Abe better, and I discovered that his approach to basketball is an extension of his broader outlook on life. He's involved in traditional practices like temazcal ceremonies which are ancient rituals aimed at healing and aiding one’s personal growth. These experiences aren't just side activities for him; they've shaped his perspective, adding layers to how he leads and connects with his teammates and friends. Abe brings this depth to the court, promoting a sense of unity and surety that elevates the team's dynamic.
"I used to play in Northern Mexico, in one of the strongest leagues," Abe told me. "We won a championship there. When I came to Mérida, I stopped playing for four years. After COVID, I realized I missed that brotherhood, the bond you form with players where you become brothers. So I reached out through an expat group, and voilà, that's how Inter happened. Some players came, some stayed, and here we are. I never thought it would turn into something this great."
He faces challenges, especially with team continuity. "I'm dealing with foreigners, so they travel a lot," he explained. "The team changes all the time. But I try to push the guys as much as I can, letting them know we're doing this together. If we're in the best division, we have to really push ourselves."
Abe's aspirations don't stop at winning games. He's passionate about giving back, discussing ideas like starting youth programs and further integrating the team into the community. "I've thought about starting a team for young kids," he said. "Maybe call it Internationals Junior. It takes time and resources, but it's definitely a goal I'd like to pursue."
Witnessing Abe's journey and being part of it through The High Post has reinforced why I love basketball in the first place. It's not just about the sport; it's about the people, the stories, and the connections we make along the way. As we continue this partnership, I'm excited to see where it leads. The magic lies not just in winning but in the shared experiences and the community we build together. At the end of the day, it's just ball, and we all love to hoop.
