In this quote, the thing that brought the boys together is a symbol for them becoming more americanized than the generation before them. Baseball maintains an important role in this story considering that if Reuven had never played baseball, then he wouldn't have had any problems regarding his glasses. Also the absence of baseball from Reuven’s life is a sign of changing vision, thus correlating with the part of the theme stating that one has to consider opposing perceptions. Reuven wouldn't have had particular analytical perspectives if it weren't for the baseball injury. This ties in with the theme of identity because Danny's dad does not want his son to become Americanized and Reuven's dad does. But the boys want what the opposite boy's
