It’s catchy, it’s vibrant, and it’s suddenly everywhere at Citi Field. “OMG,” a Latin pop track by New York Mets infielder Jose Iglesias, has unexpectedly become the soundtrack to the team’s thrilling playoff journey. This isn’t just another ballpark tune; it’s a genuine hit that’s resonating with fans and players alike, both on and off the diamond.
Since its release in late June on streaming platforms, “OMG” has captured the spirit of a Mets team celebrated for their infectious energy. The predominantly Spanish-language song is now inescapable at Mets home games and has impressively garnered over 2 million on-demand audio and video streams in the U.S. as of October 10, according to Luminate, a music data and analytics company. On YouTube, the official music video is rapidly approaching 4.5 million views.
As the Mets return home for crucial games in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the “OMG” phenomenon only seems to be gaining momentum. Adding fuel to the fire, music icon Pitbull recently jumped on board, releasing a remix of the track with Colombian singer Silvestre Dangond, further amplifying its reach.
But how did a baseball player, seemingly nearing the twilight of his career, create the anthem of the season? Let’s dive into the story behind “OMG.”
The Sound of “OMG”: More Than Just a Baseball Song
“OMG” isn’t your typical ballpark anthem. It’s a contemporary Latin pop song, infused with reggaetón and tropical rhythms – sounds that are hugely popular across Latin America and within the U.S. Latin community. Gary Suarez, a respected music journalist and critic and author of the Cabbages newsletter, describes it as “pure, positive pop music.”
“It is a celebration of good things over adversity, which feels very right for a baseball song,” Suarez explains, highlighting the song’s inherent uplifting message.
New York Mets second baseman Jose Iglesias celebrates on the field, capturing the team’s joyful spirit reflected in his hit song “OMG”.
A key to the song’s broad appeal is its bilingual nature. The chorus, sung by the 34-year-old Cuban-born Iglesias, features the lines: “Oh my god! Dame salúd y prosperidad,” which translates to “Oh my god! Give me health and prosperity.” This simple yet powerful message of hope and well-being resonates across cultures.
Suarez points out the significance of this song for many communities, especially within baseball. “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,” he says.
The Pitbull remix further solidifies the song’s connection to its cultural roots. Suarez notes that the song originated near Miami, Pitbull’s home base, making the collaboration a natural fit. “He is a ubiquitous pop star that lends greater appeal to this, especially in a time when the Mets are in the National League Championship Series,” Suarez adds. “It doesn’t hurt to have some star power behind it. And maybe that helps to have a longer lifespan beyond, you know, the end of the Mets season.”
Even though Pitbull is famously a Miami Marlins fan, he shared in a statement with The Associated Press that his Cuban American heritage drew him to Iglesias and the song’s message. He recognized the song’s theme of “being an underdog and positivity” as “the perfect fit.”
Jose Iglesias: From Shortstop to “Candelita” and Chart-Topper
Jose Iglesias’ journey to becoming a baseball player with a hit song is as unique as the song itself. He debuted in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and quickly established himself as a talented infielder, even becoming an All-Star with the Detroit Tigers in 2015. After 12 seasons and nearly $40 million in earnings, his baseball future seemed uncertain in 2023 after releases from Miami and San Diego.
However, this period marked the emergence of Iglesias’ musical alter ego, “Candelita” – a Caribbean Spanish term for someone energetic and passionate. He began releasing Latin pop songs, starting with “Tambor” and “Cantinero.” Earlier in the year, he collaborated with Cuban singer Lenier on “No Voy a Volver,” and released solo tracks like “Te Lo Advertí” and “Perdóname Padre.”
But it was “OMG” that truly broke through. Iglesias wrote and recorded the song during the last offseason at his ranch outside Miami, while simultaneously preparing to join the Mets on a minor league contract.
New York Mets player Jose Iglesias, the artist behind “OMG”, stands on the field, embodying the intersection of baseball and music.
Starting the season in Triple-A, Iglesias received an unexpected call-up to the Mets. From his very first game on May 31, “OMG” became his walk-up song. His energetic play and positive attitude quickly made him a fan favorite and a valuable player for the team, and his song organically became the team’s rallying cry.
The energy culminated in Iglesias performing “OMG” live at Citi Field after a Mets victory against the Houston Astros in late June. Since then, it has become more than just a walk-up song; it’s the anthem of the Mets and their devoted fans.
“OMG” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales chart in July, selling over 1,000 downloads in its debut week. The music video celebrates everyday people, featuring dancing employees from various professions and culminating in a joyful outdoor party.
“It’s hard to say how I feel,” Iglesias expressed after his ballpark performance. “That was a big deal. Singing in front of great fans and seeing my teammates running up there is just a dream come true.”
Now, “OMG” is played after every Mets home run at Citi Field and after every victory. Players even pose for celebratory dugout photos holding “OMG” signs in Mets colors. The song is also a constant presence in the Mets clubhouse, accompanying their playoff celebrations.
Baseball and Music: A Hit Combination
Music has always been an integral part of the baseball experience, from player walk-up songs to ballpark singalongs. Therefore, it’s not entirely surprising that some players venture into the music world themselves.
Baseball players achieving chart success in music isn’t unprecedented. Deion Sanders’ 1994 R&B-rap album “Prime Time” reached impressive positions on Billboard charts. Similarly, former New York Yankee Bernie Williams’ debut album, “The Journey Within,” topped the Jazz Albums chart in 2003.
Who’s Next to Remix the “OMG Mets Song”?
The Mets have a strong connection to the music world, with several famous musician fans. Rapper Nas has mentioned the team in his lyrics. The Beastie Boys’ Ad-Rock and MCA were known Mets enthusiasts. Nicki Minaj, who grew up in Queens, is also reportedly a fan. Billy Joel famously closed out Shea Stadium, the Mets’ former home.
While there’s no news of the Mets’ mascot, Mr. Met, releasing a track anytime soon, the possibilities for future “OMG” remixes and musical collaborations seem endless, especially as the Mets’ playoff run continues to inspire.
This unlikely anthem, born from the passion of a baseball player and infused with Latin rhythms, perfectly captures the Mets’ exciting season and their connection with their fans. “OMG” is more than just a song; it’s the sound of a team and a city believing in something special.
