José Iglesias is taking a different kind of stage this summer.
The former Mets infielder, now performing under the name Candelita, will make his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical Buena Vista Social Club. His six-week run begins Aug. 27, and he’ll play the Narrator in the production.
Iglesias, who was born in Havana, said the role carries real meaning for him. The show follows a group of musicians from the 1950s whose lives are changed by the Cuban revolution in 1959, then picks up again in 1996 when they are brought back together.
"It is an incredible privilege to be part of such a historic band. Anyone who truly knows Cuba understands the journey we have endured, so for me, this is a dream come true.
To represent Buena Vista Social Club - and to do it on Broadway - is something deeply meaningful and truly special. This musical is unique, powerful, and unlike anything else," Iglesias said in a statement.
"On a personal level, it is a tremendous blessing to be part of this production. It is also overwhelming in the best possible way because I will be the first Latino MLB player ever to perform on Broadway."
Iglesias’ baseball path has taken him through Boston, Detroit, Cincinnati, Baltimore and San Diego. He joined the Mets in 2024, where he handled second base and shortstop and became a major emotional presence during the club’s run to the National League Championship Series. New York did not bring him back for 2025, and he signed with the Padres.
That Mets run also came with a music moment that stuck. While in New York, Iglesias recorded "OMG," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Latin Digital Songs chart. The song became the team’s unofficial anthem, and he performed it live at Citi Field.
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