NEW YORK -- The Mets have won four straight games and 10 of their past 13, carrying some good momentum behind a youth movement that includes Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing and Nolan McLean. The positive vibes received another boost Tuesday evening, as fan favorite former Met Jose Iglesias threw out the ceremonial first pitch to shortstop Francisco Lindor before New York's bout with the Padres.
“I’m extremely happy to be home,” Iglesias said. “There are a lot of emotions right now. Being in this part of the field, sitting on this bench, it reminds me of great moments. I’m very happy to be here tonight.”
Iglesias, also known as “Candelita” in his off-field ventures as a pop star, was a one-time All-Star with the Tigers in 2015. But his work with the Amazin’s in their unlikely 2024 run to the NLCS may well be his lasting impression.
Iglesias’ song “OMG” became the soundtrack to the Mets’ season, and he even performed it on the field during the campaign and later at the All-MLB Awards in November. As “OMG” reached No. 1 on the iTunes Latin pop charts, Iglesias also put up a career-best 2.5 wins above replacement (per FanGraphs) in 85 games.
Iglesias played in the big leagues from 2011-25, and he called his only season in the Big Apple his happiest in baseball -- “hands down.”
“Every single day that I [was able to] wear that uniform and interact with that team. ... Every moment was special. Every scene was perfect. That will live with us forever,” Iglesias said. “The way things started that year and how we flipped it as a team was unique.
“It’s what baseball is about -- the culture, family, energy and we were competing. We never gave up, regardless of the results. We never gave up as a group. We really love each other as human beings.”
Iglesias was expecting a return engagement to Queens in 2025. He was even looking for an apartment in the Tri-state area, but he was caught by surprise when he learned the Mets didn’t have mutual interest. He ended up signing with the Padres.
“Just detaching me [from] this organization hurt me,” Iglesias said. “I really enjoyed being around these guys. That goes way beyond the ninth inning and a baseball season. It’s a personal feeling and a special relationship that I have, not just with the players, but the staff, security, everybody around the stadium. It was a family energy. I definitely miss it.”
Surely, “OMG” will blare again through the Citi Field speakers on Tuesday. Maybe Iglesias will even belt out the song himself. After all, he’s getting ready for his debut on Broadway, where he’ll play the role of the narrator in “Buena Vista Social Club” on Aug. 27.
“The musical is coming great, as well. I’m doing rehearsals now. It’s magnificent.” Iglesias said. “The energy is special. … Me as a Cuban and Latin American representing Cuban music on a stage like Broadway -- I have no words to describe how [good it has been].”
Iglesias is 36 years old. Asked if he still would like to play Major League Baseball, he said, “I feel great. I’m in a lot better shape than a lot of people. You know what? If it happens, I’m ready. If it doesn't, I’m ready.
“However life comes, I take the positive out of it. For me, it’s making an impact through music and acting. God knows what will happen next year. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. Why worry?”