We were fortunate enough to spend the week of July 20 in Nogales for the state Little League baseball tournament.

Although our son’s team, Mesa American Little League, was not able to advance into the final round of games, our time in your lovely city was a very nice experience for the boys.

Before traveling for the tournament, we were aware of the controversy that surfaced after the boys 10-11 tournament was moved from Casa Grande to Nogales. Our team was forced to scramble with fundraisers to meet the short notice of a longer trip than we originally expected. However, most of the parents on our team agreed that it was important to make the trip. And unlike several other leagues who chose to stay in communities outside of Nogales, our team stayed in the city at the new Candlewood Suites Hotel.

The boys greatly enjoyed visiting a community that looks and feels quite different from their home in Mesa. Most had never been south of Tucson. We took a group of them on a walking tour around downtown, and the boys were thrilled to actually see the border crossing. Far from feeling in danger, these 11-year-olds actually benefited from a very neat cultural experience.

The hosts with Nogales Little League did an exceptional job of putting on the tournament (they may have the best snack stand in the state – we can still taste those carne tacos!). Everyone was very friendly and made us feel welcome. We also are grateful to Nogales High School for letting our team practice on the softball field near our hotel.

Thanks to everyone in Nogales for the great experience. As the slogan on those city banners say, we truly did feel we were among friends!

Chris and Cathie Coppola

Mesa

(Chris and Cathie Coppola are not related to Manuel Coppola, the editor and publisher of the Nogales International.)