José Iglesias to Make Broadway Debut in Buena Vista Social Club Musical

For José Iglesias, the transition from the diamond to the stage is a dream that feels both unexpected and deeply personal. Known to baseball fans for his 13-season career as a versatile infielder and to music fans for his chart-topping hit OMG, Iglesias is set to become the first Latino MLB player to perform on Broadway. His casting in Buena Vista Social Club marks a significant career pivot following his final season in the major leagues with the San Diego Padres in 2025.

From Citi Field to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

The journey to Broadway began with a phone call roughly a month-and-a-half ago, an offer that initially left the 36-year-old athlete skeptical. Producers were not looking for just any performer; they were specifically seeking the man behind the OMG anthem that defined the New York Mets’ 2024 season. During that campaign, the song became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number one on the iTunes Latin Pop Charts and serving as a rallying cry for the team’s run to the National League Championship Series.

He acknowledged that the nerves were genuine, even leading to some sleepless nights as he prepared to step into the role of the Narrator.

A Celebration of Cuban Heritage and Music

Buena Vista Social Club, which features dialogue in English and songs performed entirely in Spanish, is rooted in the history of the legendary Afro-Cuban band and their 1997 Grammy-winning album. For Iglesias, who was born in Cuba and played for the Cuban national baseball team before moving to the United States, the production carries profound cultural weight.

“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.”

José Iglesias, performer

The production, which opened in 2025, received five Tony Awards that year, including honors for choreography, sound design, and orchestrations. Director Saheem Ali highlighted that Iglesias’ selection was driven by his authentic connection to the material. One of the joys of creating theatre is discovering talent in unexpected places, Ali stated. From the moment we met José Iglesias, it was clear that he brought a charisma that was unique and authentic.

Looking Ahead to the August 27 Debut

Iglesias is scheduled to remain with the production for a limited six-week engagement. While he remains open to the possibilities of a second career on the stage, he maintains a humble perspective on his transition.

Producer Orin Wolf emphasized the rarity of the crossover, noting that Iglesias brings a unique pedigree to the stage. It’s rare that someone conquers one of the world’s biggest stages before ever stepping onto ours, Wolf said. From the pinnacle of Major League Baseball to the top of the Latin Billboard charts, José has filled stadiums and captivated audiences around the world.

As the August 27 opening approaches, Iglesias expressed excitement about returning to New York City, a place where he left an intimate mark during his time with the Mets. Whether this stint on the Great White Way leads to further theater work remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on the history he is about to make as the first Latino MLB player to grace the Broadway stage.