Former Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias has constructed a profession by doing the surprising.
The slick-fielding infielder spent greater than a decade carving out a popularity as certainly one of baseball’s most dependable defenders, incomes an All-Star choice and enjoying for eight Main League organizations.
Alongside the best way, he shocked followers with a profitable music profession beneath the stage title “Candelita,” turning his hit tune “OMG” into certainly one of baseball’s greatest viral moments throughout the New York Mets‘ inconceivable playoff run in 2024.
The 35-year-old will be a part of the solid of Buena Vista Social Membership starting Aug. 27, portraying the Narrator throughout a six-week run on Broadway. The manufacturing marks one other milestone in an already unconventional profession, as Iglesias is ready to turn out to be the primary Latino Main League Baseball participant to carry out on Broadway.
“For me, it is a dream come true,” Iglesias mentioned. “To signify Buena Vista Social Membership, and to do it on Broadway, is one thing deeply significant and really particular.”
Broadway Position Carries Private Which means
Whereas athletes often enterprise into tv or movie after retirement, Iglesias’ newest alternative feels much more private than a celeb cameo.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Iglesias performed for the Cuban nationwide baseball crew earlier than defecting and finally signing with the Boston Crimson Sox group.
Buena Vista Social Membership tells the story of legendary Cuban musicians whose careers span many years of political and cultural change, culminating within the iconic 1997 album that launched their music to audiences around the globe.
The Broadway manufacturing has shortly turn out to be one of many 12 months’s most celebrated musicals, incomes 10 Tony Award nominations and taking house 5 wins, together with honors for choreography, orchestrations and sound design.
For Iglesias, becoming a member of a manufacturing centered on Cuban historical past and tradition provides a chance to have fun the nation that formed his life lengthy earlier than he turned a Main League ballplayer.
“Anybody who really is aware of Cuba understands the journey we’ve endured,” Iglesias mentioned. “This musical is exclusive, highly effective and in contrast to the rest.”
The manufacturing additionally offers Iglesias the possibility to carry out in New York Metropolis, the place his reputation reached one other degree throughout his memorable stint with the Mets.
Music Has Develop into A part of Iglesias’ Identification
Though many baseball followers first knew Iglesias for his acrobatic protection, his musical profession has steadily grown over the previous a number of years.
His breakthrough got here in 2024 when “OMG” turned synonymous with the Mets’ stunning postseason push. The tune blasted all through Citi Discipline after house runs, served as Iglesias’ walk-up music and have become an anthem embraced by each teammates and followers as New York superior to the Nationwide League Championship Collection.
What began as a private music challenge shortly developed into certainly one of baseball’s greatest cultural moments that season. Iglesias even carried out the tune dwell at Citi Discipline earlier than later taking the stage on the All-MLB Awards in Las Vegas.
The monitor finally climbed to No. 1 on the iTunes Latin Pop chart, demonstrating that his success in music prolonged properly past the clubhouse.
Broadway presents a unique problem than recording music or performing concert events, however Iglesias has already proven he’s comfy entertaining crowds exterior the baseball diamond.
Tigers Followers Noticed Among the Greatest Years of His Profession
Whereas Iglesias has suited up for eight Main League groups, Detroit stays one of many defining stops of his baseball journey.
Acquired by the Tigers throughout the 2013 season, Iglesias instantly turned one of many membership’s defensive anchors. His fast fingers, elite instincts and skill to make tough performs look routine made him one of many American League’s premier defensive shortstops throughout Detroit’s postseason window.
His strongest particular person season got here in 2015, when he earned the one All-Star choice of his profession after batting .300 in 137 video games. That season strengthened what Tigers followers already knew: Iglesias introduced much more worth than what appeared within the field rating.
Over elements of six seasons with Detroit, Iglesias appeared in 558 video games and hit .268 whereas amassing 513 hits, 113 doubles, 19 house runs, 167 RBIs and 42 stolen bases.
His consistency within the discipline helped stabilize the Tigers’ infield throughout an period that featured stars akin to Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
Even after leaving Detroit, Iglesias continued discovering methods to contribute. His versatility allowed him to increase his profession with a number of golf equipment, showing everywhere in the infield and even spending time in left discipline and at designated hitter throughout his ultimate Main League season with the San Diego Padres in 2025.
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