Oh Brother, First Laugh to Chatsworth

Brothers Jack and Matt Cassel shook hands Tuesday after a Northwest Valley Conference baseball game between Kennedy and Chatsworth highs.

“Good game,” Matt said.

But when they arrived home. . . .

“He started right in on me with ‘Ha Ha’ and all that,” Jack said.

Indeed, Matt reveled in Chatsworth’s 12-1 drubbing of of Golden Cougars.

“Feels good to kick their butts,” Matt said.

His brother’s behind included.

The Cassels, thanks to a policy of open enrollment in City Section schools and the desire to play ball with friends rather than each other, are in different schools and dugouts.

Jack, a junior third baseman, attends Kennedy. Matt, a freshman first baseman, attends Chatsworth.

Their mother does a lot of scurrying between schools.

“I’ve literally gone from one game to another on the same day,” Barbara Cassel said. “Everyone was telling me I’m crazy to let them do this, but I don’t regret it. It’s rare, but it’s pretty terrific.

“I sat on the Kennedy side [Tuesday], but I wish I could have gotten behind home plate. I’m totally divided, 50-50.”

For one week, at least, the Cassels will be on the same diamond. Chatsworth and Kennedy play again today at 3 at Cal State Northridge.

The brothers live with their mother and two siblings in Northridge. Both describe their relationship as competitive but close.

“A lot of people ask us about it,” Matt said. “Actually, it’s kind of fun to be on two different sides. I wanted to beat them pretty bad. But when he’s batting, I try not to say anything. I want to see my brother do well.”

Said Jack: “[My teammates] don’t expect me to go against my brother or anything. I’d rather see him hit three home runs than strike out three times.”