For Neshaminy's Bonner brothers, this high school baseball season is extra special

LANSDALE — There's a tangible difference in this baseball season for Joel and Chase Bonner.

After starring for the Neshaminy varsity as a junior outfielder last year, Joel gets to start alongside younger brother Chase in 2024. And they're loving it.

"It's definitely cool," Joel said. "He's doing well. It's fun playing with him."

"It's exciting," said Chase, a sophomore shortstop. "This is the first time we're spending a full season together."

One of the few times they were teammates in the past happened when Chase "played up" with Joel in a Langhorne Colonials game. Chase was 10 and Joel 12 at the time.

"I was playing the outfield," Chase said. "I made one really good catch and all the older kids were really happy for me. It was cool."

It's even cooler now with the brothers helping Suburban One League Patriot Division-leading Neshaminy to a 7-1 SOL start (8-1 overall after Thursday's 5-3 loss to Pennridge). Head coach Dan Toner's team has outscored its opponents 78-21 with four double-digit wins and two shutouts.

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Joel, a first-team All-SOL Patriot pick last year and an East Stroudsburg commit, bats No. 2 or 3 in Neshaminy's solid lineup and Chase has been utilized from No. 6 through No. 8.

Out of the No. 7 spot, Chase had three hits and four RBIs during Tuesday's 16-2 victory over defending SOL Colonial Division champion North Penn in five innings. Joel went 3 for 5 with two doubles in a 14-4 win against two-time defending SOL Patriot champ Pennsbury on March 21.

"It’s awesome to see Joel and Chase together on the varsity baseball field," Toner said. "Both players have their similarities yet also their differences in their style of game play. Both players share an incredible work ethic and drive to succeed. … From what I see, there is no competition between the two, but a desire to make each other better."

Chase has appreciated Joel's support while his older brother also occasionally points out when things should be done differently. Joel being more laid back than Chase is an interesting twist to their family dynamic that also features dad Kevin, who is a varsity assistant coach.

"Basically, I just tell him to 'wipe it', which means forget about it and get the next play or whatever it may be," Joel said. "I feel like that takes pressure off of him so next time he has a chance to make another play."

And Chase has made plenty of plays.

"I learn a lot from him just by watching the way he plays and being around him and the older kids," Chase said.

Joel believes Chase being a teammate "gives me a little bit more drive. We bond together and do a lot of things together."

"I kind of feel more comfortable knowing he's out there on the field," Chase said.

The brothers, who live in Langhorne, like Neshaminy's chances to make this a memorable season. With a deep pitching staff and plenty of quality everyday players, Joel has his sights set on the school's first division title since 2013, as well as a third District One Class 6A title in six years (also 2019 and '21) and a deep state playoff run.

"We've got a lot of dogs, lots of (guys going on to play in) college and really good chemistry," Joel said.

That this season is a shared experience with Chase makes it even more special.

"I'm definitely going to remember it for the rest of my life because it's my senior year and this might be my only chance to play with him in a competitive atmosphere," Joel said.

Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bonner brothers enjoy playing together for first-place Neshaminy