Entertainment
MLB infielder José Iglesias makes Broadway debut in ‘Buena Vista Social Club’
The veteran baseball player and Latin pop artist took the stage as narrator and performer at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.
The short version
- José Iglesias, known musically as Candelita, made his Broadway debut as the Narrator and ensemble performer in 'Buena Vista Social Club' on August 27.
- Iglesias is the first Latin MLB player to take on a theatrical and musical character role on Broadway.
- Though not officially retired from baseball after 13 seasons in the majors, Iglesias is exploring future musical projects that blend his Latin pop style with traditional Cuban music.
Key facts
- José Iglesias debuted on Broadway on August 27 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre as the Narrator and a musical performer singing 'El Cuarto de Tula' in 'Buena Vista Social Club'.[Billboard]
- Iglesias is the first Latin MLB player to perform in a narrative and musical capacity on Broadway, contrasting with prior players such as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson who appeared as themselves.[Billboard]
- Iglesias left the Cuban national team in Canada at age 17 to seek political asylum, later signing with the Boston Red Sox and playing 13 seasons across major league teams.[Billboard]
- Under the stage name Candelita, his 2024 single 'OMG' served as a New York Mets team anthem and reached No. 1 on Billboard's Latin Digital Song Sales chart.[Billboard]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Iglesias will return to professional baseball for another season remains unconfirmed, as he stated he is not officially retired.[Billboard]