Ex-Met José Iglesias Trades Baseball for Broadway Starring Role

Former Major League Baseball infielder José Iglesias is transitioning from the diamond to the stage, agreeing to join the Tony Award-winning musical “Buena Vista Social Club” as its narrator for a six-week run beginning August 27 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York, according to production announcements. Iglesias, a 13-season MLB veteran who last played in the majors in 2025, becomes the first Latino Major League Baseball player to perform on Broadway, according to the production.

The Path From the Diamond to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

When Broadway producers first contacted Iglesias about a month and a half ago, the 36-year-old infielder initially questioned whether they had reached the right person. “Are you guys calling the right guy?” Iglesias asked, according to his account of the call. The producers confirmed they were looking for José Iglesias, known widely for his musical alter ego Candelita and his viral hit song “OMG” (short for “Oh my God”), which served as an anthem for the New York Mets during their 2024 postseason run.

Iglesias admitted he lost sleep over the initial offer, comparing the performance anxiety to facing an elite pitcher in the playoffs. To prepare for the stage, he hired vocal and acting coaches to adjust to theatrical performance styles. “When you have a normal conversation, in theater, you disappear, so you have to exaggerate every movement, everything you say, and how you say it and the intentions behind it,” Iglesias said. While the exact extent of his singing and dancing is still being finalized, he expects to perform at least one song during the show.

Connecting With Cuban Musical History

The musical tells the story of a legendary group of Cuban musicians in Havana, a narrative Iglesias grew up following as a child in Cuba. His father was a major fan of the band, making the casting a personal milestone. “How it traveled around the world with authentic Cuban music, I grew up listening to it,” Iglesias said. “It’s literally a dream come true to be part of such a great musical.”

Iglesias’ journey to Broadway follows a winding personal and professional path. At age 17, he defected from Cuba, leaving his family behind to pursue a baseball career, eventually signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2009. After spending the 2025 season playing in 112 games for the San Diego Padres, he entered the offseason hoping to secure another utility role in an MLB dugout. Unsigned and facing an unexpected pause in his 29-year baseball career, he pivoted to the New York stage.

Baseball and Broadway Intersections

Athletes crossing over into theater have historical precedents, though rare. The musical “Damn Yankees” won the Tony Award for best musical in 1956, and the play “Take Me Out” secured the Tony Award for best play in 2003. In the late 19th century, Hall of Famer Cap Anson performed in “A Runaway Colt” while still an active baseball player. More recently, independent baseball teams like the Savannah Bananas have featured Broadway actors making cameos on the field.

Iglesias hopes his casting inspires other baseball players with hidden artistic talents. “They also have dreams to be something else, because I know a lot of players that love music, they love to sing and they love to play instruments,” he noted.

Former teammates plan to attend his performances, including Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor. “I’m sure I’m gonna be at that show at some point,” Lindor said. “It’s gonna be fun. I haven’t seen him in a long time and I miss him, so I’m looking forward to it.”

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