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MLB Star Swings for Broadway Stage
3 Sep
Summary
- José Iglesias, known as Candelita, debuted on Broadway as Narrator.
- He is the first Latin MLB player to perform as a musical theater artist.
- Iglesias grew up in Cuba with iconic Cuban music artists.
Former Major League Baseball player José Iglesias, also known by his artist name Candelita, has transitioned from the baseball diamond to the Broadway stage. On August 27, 2026, Iglesias made his debut as the Narrator in the musical "Buena Vista Social Club" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. This historic appearance marks him as the first Latin MLB player to perform as a musical theater artist on Broadway, a role that goes beyond previous athlete cameos.
Iglesias, who played 13 seasons with various MLB teams, including the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, grew up immersed in the music of Cuban icons like Compay Segundo and Omara Portuondo. His single "OMG" became an anthem for the Mets in 2024, topping Billboard's Latin Digital Song Sales chart. He sees his role as a significant responsibility to carry Cuban music forward on a global stage.
Reflecting on his journey, Iglesias shared that the invitation to Broadway felt like a joke initially. He expressed that performing on stage offers a unique energy compared to a baseball field, describing each night as magical and dependent on the audience. He feels humbled by the opportunity to represent his Cuban heritage and the rich history of Buena Vista Social Club.
