During a tense baseball game, Coach called over Brandon, one of his 9-year-old players, who’d just missed an easy catch.
“Brandon,” the coach said kindly but firmly, “do you understand what cooperation means? What it means to be part of a team?”
Brandon nodded confidently. “Yes, Coach.”
“Well, then, tell me what a team is,” the coach encouraged.
Brandon took a deep breath, puffed out his chest, and said, “A team is when everyone pretends to agree with the coach so the game doesn’t get any longer, but secretly, everyone’s just waiting for the snack break.”
The coach blinked.
Brandon grinned. “Because, Coach, that’s the real reason we play. I mean, teamwork’s important and all, but have you seen those cookies?”
The coach laughed. “You might be onto something, kid. But remember, cooperation also means catching the ball—especially if you want more cookies after the game.”
Brandon saluted. “Got it, Coach! I’ll cooperate… after I finish this cookie.”
Moral? Sometimes the sweetest teamwork happens off the field.
