New York Mets infielder Jose Iglesias has swapped his baseball glove for a Broadway script, making his debut as The Narrator in the hit musical Buena Vista Social Club. The Cuban‑born star, who enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with the Mets, is now performing nightly at the theatre, with his initial six‑week run extended through 15 November. Iglesias describes the role as a dream come true, a chance to celebrate his heritage while learning a new craft alongside seasoned actors and musicians.
A Diamond to the Footlights
Iglesias first made his mark on the diamond, earning All‑Star honours and becoming a fan favourite for his energetic play and charismatic presence. After signing with the Mets in 2024, he began experimenting with music off the field, releasing a track under his nickname Candelita that would later become a clubhouse anthem. His transition to the stage was not a sudden whim but the culmination of years spent balancing sport, song and a deep connection to Cuban culture.
“It goes way beyond a dream come true for myself,” Iglesias says of landing on Broadway. “I have this beautiful experience that I get to live on a daily basis, to have fun and represent Cuban music, connecting with the fans, with the musicians, meeting people, growing as a person. It’s a unique opportunity that life has presented to me.”
The OMG Anthem that Opened Doors
The catalyst for Iglesias’ Broadway call arrived in the form of a single, viral song. After joining the Mets, he unveiled an unreleased track titled “OMG.” Teammate J.D. Martinez encouraged him to play the full version for the squad, and the tune quickly spread through the clubhouse. Players began singing the chorus whenever a home run was hit, and an “OMG” sign appeared in the dugout as a celebratory prop. The song became the unofficial soundtrack of the Mets’ 2024 surge.
Iglesias recalls the moment he was approached: “I would say definitely ‘OMG,’ and being involved with music is something that they were looking into and [said], ‘You know what? I think he can do this,’” says Iglesias of getting the call to star in the production. “They reached out and I couldn’t believe it at first. Literally, I was in shock. All I had done was baseball and music.”
Learning the Ropes on Broadway
Now, as The Narrator, Iglesias is tasked with opening the show, delivering spoken lines and weaving in dance numbers alongside the live band. He describes the responsibility as both exhilarating and demanding, noting the stark differences between the discipline of baseball and the rigours of theatre.
“I’m literally the first one to talk on stage,” he says. “I’m also singing in the show as well. It’s a big responsibility.”
He adds, “I’m extremely happy to be part of such a great musical,” he adds. “This show is magnificent; it’s magical. The energy in the theater every single night is unique, and I’m just so happy to be part of it.”
The role has also offered Iglesias a chance to reconnect with the Mets supporters who embraced him during his brief but memorable stint in New York. After becoming a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, he signed with the San Diego Padres, cutting short his chance to say a proper farewell.
“It’s a way to reconnect with all those Mets fans,” he explains. “Unfortunately, after 2024, I wasn’t able to return to New York to see the fans or my ex‑teammates.”
With 13 seasons of major‑league experience behind him, Iglesias treats his Broadway debut as a rookie year all over again, constantly asking questions of his castmates to sharpen his craft.
“Actors work so hard to get an opportunity like this one,” he says. “And for myself, who has been a baseball player and a musician, I’m able to act now on Broadway and learn from all of them; that’s what I do on a daily basis. I just ask a lot of questions.”
He continues, “They both have discipline, but it is different,” he says. “In my personal case, it’s just making sure my aura, my energy and my delivery is where it needs to be. It’s easy to connect with the guy that’s sitting in the front row because they’re so close to you, you just have an intimate conversation with them, but you should also be able to deliver all the way up [to the balcony].”
When asked about his development, Iglesias replies, “I always ask questions about how can I improve my body language? How can I improve my script in this situation?” Iglesias says. “And I’m always asking questions because I have a fun role and then I want to continue to represent Buena Vista Social Club the right way.”
He praises his collaborators: “They’re such a great actors and musicians and such great human beings that make my process a lot easier than what I expect,” he says of his castmates.
And the nightly buzz? “But the energy every single night, it feels like game seven in the playoffs.”
Why it Matters
Iglesias’ crossover from Major League Baseball to Broadway highlights the growing fluidity between sports and the arts, showing how athletes can leverage personal passions to reach new audiences. His story underscores the importance of cultural representation, as he brings Cuban music and heritage to a global stage while maintaining ties to the fan base that launched his career. For both the theatre and sports worlds, his journey offers a fresh narrative about versatility, reinvention and the power of following one’s creative instincts beyond the expected career path.
