Jose Iglesias, the veteran infielder who ignited the Mets clubhouse just two years ago, is about to make history. He’s becoming the first Major League Baseball player to perform on Broadway, taking on the Narrator role in “Buena Vista Social Club” for a six-week run.
From Citi Field to Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
Talk about a curveball! Starting August 27 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Iglesias isn’t just watching a show, he’s starring in it. The 36-year-old is bringing his fire and energy from the diamond to a totally different stage, and he sounds genuinely pumped about it. He told us, “It’s very smooth. The energy, it’s an excellent musical. I’m surrounded by great teammates over there.” That sounds just like a clubhouse, doesn’t it? His new castmates are supporting him daily, knowing this is a whole new ballgame for Iglesias. He believes this is a first in MLB history for a Latin player acting on Broadway. “It’s a fun responsibility that I have in my hands,” Iglesias said. “I’m grabbing it with two hands, just like a ground ball, and then I won’t let it go.” You gotta love that attitude.
The “OMG” Season That Fired Up a City
It’s easy to forget just how much Iglesias meant to the Mets back in 2024. When he got called up on May 31 of that year, the team was a dismal 10 games under .500. Then Iglesias arrived, infusing a badly needed shot of energy and leadership, and suddenly, everything changed. His Latin pop hit “OMG” became the team’s anthem, and they went on an improbable run. The Mets closed the season with a shocking 67-40 record, grabbing a playoff berth on the very last day of the campaign, ultimately firing their way into the National League Championship Series. This dude was clutch, too: a .375/.419/.482 slash line with runners in scoring position and a .337 batting average across 85 games. Iglesias himself reflected on that magic, saying, “The way how things started that year and how we flipped it as a team, it was unique. It’s what baseball’s about, that culture, that family energy and competing. We never gave up.” That’s the kind of passion you can’t fake.
The Heartbreaking Exit From the Big Leagues
What made that 2024 run even more poignant was Iglesias’s tough departure from the team. After galvanizing that squad, you’d think he’d be a lock to return. He was even looking for apartments in New York City! But the call never came. He ended up signing a minor league deal with the Padres in March 2025. You could hear the pain when he talked about it: “I personally don’t have to agree with it, but I respect their decisions completely. But just detaching me with this organization hurt me. That’s true. I really enjoy being around these guys.” He added that his connection went “way beyond the ninth inning,” extending to staff and security. “It was a family energy that I definitely miss,” he shared. It just shows how deep those bonds can go, and why this next chapter for him is so compelling.
So, while baseball lost a true catalyst, Broadway is about to gain a star. You can catch Iglesias in “Buena Vista Social Club” starting August 27. It’s a huge moment for him, and honestly, for anyone who believes athletes are more than just their sport.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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