In "The Chosen," Chaim Potok illustrates the conflict between traditional Jewish values and the American pastime of baseball. While the rabbis teaching in Jewish parochial schools viewed baseball as a distraction and a negative influence that risked the students' cultural identity, the students often embraced the sport as a symbol of their American identity. They valued inter-league baseball victories almost as much as their academic achievements in Talmud, indicating how significant this sport had become in their lives.

This contrast highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing American culture during a time when patriotism was vital, especially in the context of the ongoing war. For the students, participating in baseball was a way to assert their Americanism and find pride in their dual identity as both Jewish and American. Their desire to be seen as loyal Americans drove them to prioritize this seemingly trivial activity, illustrating the complexities of identity in a changing societal landscape.