Former MLB Star Jose Bautista and Gianleonardo Neglia Team Up to Shake Things Up at USL Club
Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista and Gianleonardo Neglia, once a bat-boy with the Blue Jays, have joined forces to make waves in the soccer world. Their friendship, rooted in their shared love of soccer, has led them to collaborate at the USL club Las Vegas Lights, with Neglia taking on the role of the sporting director.
After spending nearly every day together for 10 consecutive summers, Neglia and Bautista have remained close friends. Their bond was solidified through their mutual passion for soccer, which eventually paved the way for them to work together in the world of sports.
A Chance Encounter
It all started with a simple text message from Bautista to Neglia, inquiring about the Las Vegas Lights. This message marked the beginning of a new chapter in their careers, as Neglia made the decision to join Bautista’s USL team as their sporting director in November 2023.
At the time, Neglia was serving as the assistant sporting director at Venezia FC, a soon-to-be Serie A club. Despite his position in Italy, Neglia felt that he was still years away from securing a senior role in the European soccer market. The opportunity to lead the Las Vegas Lights under Bautista’s ownership was one that he couldn’t pass up.
An Unlikely Journey
For Neglia, the move from baseball to soccer was a significant shift, but one that felt like a natural progression. His background in sports, coupled with his long-standing friendship with Bautista, made the transition seamless. Neglia saw this new role as a chance to fulfill his dream of working in the sport he truly loved.
Reflecting on his decision to join the Las Vegas Lights, Neglia shared, “The opportunity to be the head guy and work under an owner who I have this relationship with, I mean, it was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”
Looking Towards the Future
As Neglia settles into his new role with the Las Vegas Lights, he is focused on bringing success to the club and making a meaningful impact in the world of soccer. With Bautista by his side, Neglia is determined to shake things up and leave a lasting legacy in the USL.
Together, Bautista and Neglia are poised to make waves in the soccer world, drawing upon their shared experiences and passion for the sport to drive the Las Vegas Lights to new heights. Their journey, rooted in friendship and fueled by a love of soccer, is set to make a significant impact on the USL club and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on this dynamic duo as they navigate the world of soccer and strive for greatness at the Las Vegas Lights.
Building on Shared Passion
Jose Bautista and Gianleonardo Neglia’s collaboration at the Las Vegas Lights is a testament to the power of shared passion and friendship in the world of sports. Their relationship, forged through years of camaraderie and love for soccer, has set the stage for a unique partnership that is bound to make waves in the USL.
What sets Bautista and Neglia apart is not just their professional credentials but also their genuine connection to the sport. Bautista, known for his illustrious career in Major League Baseball, brings a fresh perspective to the soccer scene, infusing the Las Vegas Lights with his strategic vision and competitive spirit. On the other hand, Neglia’s background in European soccer and his unwavering dedication to the sport add a layer of expertise and finesse to the team’s leadership.
The Power of Networking
Neglia’s journey from being a bat-boy with the Toronto Blue Jays to becoming the sporting director of a USL club is a testament to the power of networking and seizing opportunities. His close relationship with Bautista opened doors that may have otherwise remained closed, showcasing the importance of cultivating strong connections in the sports industry.
By leveraging their shared history and mutual respect, Bautista and Neglia have set themselves up for success at the Las Vegas Lights. Their ability to combine their strengths and complementary skills bodes well for the future of the club, as they navigate the competitive landscape of the USL.
A New Chapter in USL
With Neglia at the helm as the sporting director and Bautista providing guidance and support as the team owner, the Las Vegas Lights are poised for a transformation. The duo’s fresh perspective, coupled with their unwavering dedication to the sport, promises an exciting journey ahead for the club and its fans.
As they embark on this new chapter in USL, Bautista and Neglia are not just focused on success on the field but also on building a strong foundation for the club’s long-term growth and sustainability. Their shared vision for the Las Vegas Lights goes beyond wins and losses, aiming to create a legacy that resonates with the community and inspires future generations of soccer enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead
As Bautista and Neglia continue to shake things up at the Las Vegas Lights, their story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of friendship, passion, and perseverance in the world of sports. With their eyes set on greatness and their hearts dedicated to the beautiful game of soccer, this dynamic duo is set to leave an indelible mark on the USL and beyond.
Follow along as Bautista and Neglia write the next chapter in the Las Vegas Lights’ journey, redefining what it means to succeed in the world of soccer and inspiring fans, players, and aspiring sports professionals along the way.