Former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman José Bautista has taken the reins as the principal owner of the USL Championship franchise Las Vegas Lights FC, as announced by the club on Tuesday.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bautista stated, “Las Vegas is the place to be and has emerged as a big professional sports town, and I will do everything I can to push this club forward.” In his role, Bautista aims to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States, leveraging his experience as a soccer fan and former professional athlete. Since retiring from professional baseball, he has witnessed the remarkable rise of soccer in the country and looks forward to sharing his passion for sports with the Las Vegas soccer community.
During his baseball career, Bautista, a six-time All-Star, achieved a .247 career batting average with 344 home runs, 975 RBIs, and 1,022 runs. His iconic moment came in 2015 with a playoff go-ahead home run and the memorable bat flip during Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers, solidifying his place in Blue Jays history.
Reflecting on the unforgettable bat flip, Bautista mentioned, “I kind of blacked out after the swing, hearing the roar of the crowd and the emotion of the moment.” This historic moment showcased his impact not only as a player but also as a symbol of Blue Jays’ success.
Las Vegas Lights FC, competing in the USL Championship since 2018, plays its home games at Cashman Field, with the upcoming 2024 season set to kick off in March.
Beyond his involvement in soccer, Bautista’s business acumen is evident through his early equity partnership with Marucci Sports, a baseball equipment startup that was later acquired by Compass Diversified Holdings in 2020.
Adding to his diverse achievements, Bautista represented the Dominican Republic at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, contributing to the team’s bronze medal win. His leadership skills and a signature bat flip during a walk-off hit sealed the victory over Israel, securing the team’s spot in the semifinals. José Bautista continues to make an impact beyond the baseball field, now steering Las Vegas Lights FC into an exciting new era.