FLUSHING, NY — OMG!
A familiar face returned to Citi Field Tuesday night with the Mets welcoming back José Iglesias to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Francisco Lindor.
Helping spark an improbable postseason run in 2024, a season in which Lindor won the National League LatinoMVP, and the Mets appeared in the NLCS, Iglesias, 36, of La Havana, Cuba, had made an impact that extended beyond the playing diamond.
Known as “Candelita” in the music world, the former MLB infielder, produced “OMG,” a 2024 number-one hit on the iTunes Latin Pop Charts and even performed a postgame concert at Citi Field that summer.
It took the team and all of Queens by storm, as the Mets were 26-33 across March, April and May combined and went 65-40 the rest of the way to finish 91-73.
When asked about the 2024 Mets Tuesday afternoon at Citi Field, José Iglesias said: “It’s what baseball is about—the culture, family, energy and we were competing. We never gave up, regardless of the results. We never gave up as a group. We really love each other as human beings.” – Image Credit: Simon Lindenblatt/Latino Sports
In the games he was in the lineup for across Iglesias’ magical 2024 campaign (85), hitting .337 with four home runs and 26 RBI, the Mets recorded 52 wins and 33 losses.
“It’s great. I am extremely happy to see smiles everywhere,” he said of returning to Queens Tuesday afternoon. “And the way they opened that door for me was special one more time. I am extremely happy to be home.”
It was fitting for Iglesias to return to the ballpark this week while the Padres were in town to face the Mets since he also played for San Diego last season.
In total over a 13-year MLB career (2011-2025), José Iglesias played for nine teams (Red Sox, Tigers, Reds, Orioles, Angels, Red Sox, Rockies, Mets and Padres) – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
From the diamond to now Broadway on Thursday, August 27th, making his debut under the bright lights of New York City in a different setting, Iglesias’ next stop will be on Broadway as he plays the role of the narrator for the cast in the Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club.
This historic performance, with tickets still available, will make him the first ever Latino MLB player to appear on Broadway.
“The musical is coming great, as well. I’m doing rehearsals now. It’s magnificent.” Iglesias said. “The energy is special. Me as a Cuban and Latin American representing Cuban music on a stage like Broadway—I have no words to describe how (good it has been).”
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