Raised in Napa, California, Neu attended Vintage High School where he set Monticello Empire League records for career wins (21) and strikeouts (196).

Neu led the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (14.8) and was selected to the All-College World Series team with three saves and appearances in all four of Miami's games at the CWS.

Neu spent 4 years in the Reds' organization making his way up to Triple-A, before he was claimed in the 2002 Rule 5 draft by the Oakland Athletics.

Neu was the head baseball coach at Diablo Valley College (DVC) from 2009 to 2011, leading his team to an 87–41 mark (.680) with two Big 8 Conference titles in three years.

Additionally, he spent time as an associate scout for both the Kansas City Royals and the Atlanta Braves before moving into the coaching ranks.

With Neu's pitchers leading the way, the Bears pushed their way into the top-25 during the year and made their way to the finals of the Texas A&M Regional in the NCAA tournament.