It’s catchy, it’s vibrant, and it’s taking over Citi Field: “OMG,” by New York Mets infielder Jose Iglesias, has become more than just a song – it’s the soundtrack to the team’s electrifying playoff journey. This unexpected hit, blending Latin pop rhythms with baseball spirit, has fans and players alike singing along. Let’s dive into the story of how “OMG” became the anthem for the Amazin’ Mets.
Released in late June, “OMG” quickly resonated with the Mets’ energetic and fun-loving team, becoming a staple both on and off the baseball diamond. The song, primarily in Spanish, has achieved remarkable popularity, becoming ubiquitous at Mets home games and accumulating over 2 million streams across audio and video platforms in the U.S. by October 10th, according to Luminate. The official music video has also garnered significant attention, reaching nearly 4.5 million views on YouTube. As the Mets continue their playoff push, including facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, the song’s popularity only continues to grow. Adding fuel to the fire, music icon Pitbull recently released a remix of “OMG” with Colombian singer Silvestre Dangond, further amplifying its reach.
But how did a baseball player, seemingly nearing the twilight of his career, create such a resonant musical hit? The answer lies in the infectious positivity and universal themes embedded within “OMG.”
Decoding the Sound of “OMG”: A Latin Pop Home Run
Music journalist Gary Suarez, from the Cabbages newsletter, describes “OMG” as contemporary Latin pop, infused with reggaeton and tropical elements – sounds widely popular across Latin America and within the U.S. Hispanic community. Suarez notes, “As a song, it is just pure, positive pop music. It is a celebration of good things over adversity, which feels very right for a baseball song.”
The lyrics resonate deeply, particularly the line “No tengo nada pero soy feliz,” meaning “I have nothing but I’m happy.” The bilingual chorus, with Iglesias singing “Oh my god! Dame salúd y prosperidad,” which translates to “Oh my god! Give me health and prosperity,” broadens the song’s appeal to a diverse audience.
Suarez highlights the cultural significance of “OMG,” stating, “There are so many Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban people playing baseball right now. And the Mets, of course, are no exception. And so, I think there was a certain amount of a need for a song like this to come from and reflect this world.” The Pitbull remix further underscores this connection, as the song’s origins near Miami, Pitbull’s home base, create a natural synergy. Pitbull’s involvement brings star power and potentially extends the song’s lifespan beyond the baseball season, according to Suarez. Even though Pitbull is famously a Miami Marlins fan, he expressed to the Associated Press that he connected with Iglesias “because of our shared culture,” emphasizing the song’s universal theme of positivity and underdog spirit as the perfect match.
Jose Iglesias: From Veteran Infielder to “Candelita” the Singer
Jose Iglesias’ journey to becoming a musical sensation is as compelling as the “OMG” song itself. Having debuted in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and achieving All-Star status with the Detroit Tigers in 2015, Iglesias has enjoyed a successful 12-season MLB career, playing for seven different teams and earning nearly $40 million. However, by 2023, his baseball future appeared uncertain. After being released by multiple teams, Iglesias turned to music, releasing Latin pop tracks under the name “Candelita,” a Caribbean term for someone energetic and passionate. He launched with songs like “Tambor” and “Cantinero,” followed by collaborations and solo tracks, but none achieved the breakout success of “OMG.”
“OMG” was conceived and recorded during the off-season at Iglesias’ ranch outside Miami, while he was preparing to join the Mets on a minor league contract. Starting the season in Triple-A, an unexpected opportunity arose in Queens, and when Iglesias joined the Mets on May 31st, “OMG” became his walk-up song. He quickly became a vital player, and his song organically evolved into the team’s rally anthem.
Iglesias’ live performance of “OMG” after a Mets victory against the Houston Astros in late June cemented its status as an anthem for both the team and their passionate fanbase. “OMG” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales chart in July, and its music video, featuring everyday workers dancing and celebrating, culminates in a joyous outdoor party. Iglesias himself expressed his amazement, calling the ballpark performance “a dream come true.”
Today, “OMG” is synonymous with Mets victories at Citi Field, playing after every home run and win. Players celebrate home runs by posing with “OMG” signs in Mets colors, solidifying the song’s integral role in the team’s identity and playoff journey. The song also echoes within the Mets’ clubhouse, the soundtrack to their recent playoff celebrations.
Baseball and Music: A Harmonious History
The connection between music and baseball is deeply ingrained in the ballpark experience, from player walk-up songs to crowd singalongs. It’s therefore not surprising that some baseball players have ventured into music. Deion Sanders, for example, achieved chart success with his 1994 R&B-rap album, and former Yankee Bernie Williams topped the Jazz Albums chart with his debut album in 2003. Iglesias is now adding his name to this list, demonstrating the multifaceted talents within the baseball world.
Who’s Next to Remix the Mets Anthem?
The New York Mets boast a strong celebrity fanbase, offering exciting possibilities for future “OMG” remixes. Rappers like Nas, associated with Queens like the Mets, and the Beastie Boys, have openly supported the team. Nicki Minaj, also from Queens, is reportedly a fan, and music legend Billy Joel has a historic connection to the Mets, having played the final concert at Shea Stadium. Even the Mets’ viral mascot, Grimace, could theoretically join the musical fun. The possibilities for “OMG” remixes and collaborations seem as limitless as the Mets’ playoff potential.
“OMG,” the “Oh My God Mets Song,” has become more than just a catchy tune; it’s a symbol of the Mets’ unexpected success, their vibrant team spirit, and the unifying power of music within baseball. As the Mets continue their playoff journey, “OMG” will undoubtedly remain their resounding anthem.
