The New York Mets have been on a roll recently, and behind the scenes, a catchy, upbeat tune has been fueling their positive momentum. Penetrating the clubhouse walls after each victory is the sound of loud music, featuring a familiar voice belting out a chorus that has become synonymous with the team’s revitalized season. This isn’t a chart-topping hit, but rather an unreleased gem titled “OMG,” crafted by none other than veteran infielder Jose Iglesias.
Following postgame speeches, the volume cranks up, and Iglesias’ “Omg Song” takes center stage, playing on repeat. When the infectious chorus bursts through, everyone joins in, passionately singing the memorable lines, “Oh! My! God!” This spontaneous singalong has evolved into a team ritual, amplifying the Mets’ camaraderie and celebratory spirit.
“We’re singing it, we’re humming it all the time,” remarks 38-year-old reliever Adam Ottavino. Having witnessed music’s role in team dynamics throughout his career, Ottavino notes the unique impact of Iglesias’ track: “This one has definitely hit the most in the clubhouse.” The “omg song” isn’t just confined to post-win celebrations. It has permeated game-time moments too. Every time a Mets player launches a home run, the chorus of “OMG” reverberates through the dugout, and recently, even beyond. During the Mets’ last homestand at Citi Field, the “omg song” filled the stadium speakers each time a player went yard, turning fan celebrations up a notch.
Jose Iglesias, beyond his 12 years of Major League Baseball experience and All-Star accolade, is also Candelita, a creator of vibrant Latin pop music. He initially introduced “OMG” to the Mets as his walk-up music upon joining from Triple-A Syracuse on May 31st. Since then, in what might be more than just coincidence, the Mets have won 12 out of 17 games, climbing their way back into contention.
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Here’s a sneak peek of Iglesias’ unreleased song – a taste of the “omg song” phenomenon that’s captivating Mets fans and players alike:
During a recent interview, Iglesias shared the story behind the song’s clubhouse takeover and his broader music aspirations. He revealed that veteran slugger J.D. Martinez was the catalyst for the “omg song” craze. Shortly after Iglesias joined the team, Martinez championed the track, exclaiming to Iglesias, “Bro, this is a good song. We gotta play this. We gotta ride this out. We gotta use it.” Martinez’s enthusiasm ignited the trend, and the “omg song” ritual was born.
“It was all this guy’s idea,” Iglesias acknowledged, gesturing towards Martinez in the adjacent locker.
“Wait, you guys are talking about OMG?” Martinez interjected, with playful hyperbole, “Greatest song ever.” Martinez seized the interview moment to playfully tease his teammate and raise a pressing question on everyone’s mind.
“So, Iglesias,” Martinez probed, “why haven’t you come out with the song yet on iTunes? You know, so fans can listen?”
Iglesias, with the weary tone of someone repeatedly fielding the same question, responded, “I know. I know. I know.”
Unsatisfied, Martinez, playing the persistent reporter, pressed further.
Martinez: “But people really want to listen.”
Iglesias: “I know. It’s July 3.”
Martinez: “That’s what you’ve been saying.”
Iglesias: “I know. It’s what it takes. You have to send it to all the platforms. It’s a process.”
Martinez, walking away with a mischievous grin, delivered a playful ultimatum: “Give the people what they want, Iglesias.”
Iglesias elaborated on the release timeline, explaining, “It’s a process and it was supposed to be July 5 but we are moving faster because J.D. was on me. But it’s very exciting. I cannot wait. I have had a few singles. But this one …” Iglesias trailed off, a smile spreading across his face. “OMG,” he later confirmed, is a personal favorite among his compositions.
He described “OMG” as an anthem of resilience, a song about overcoming adversity and maintaining a positive outlook. The lyrics flowed to him organically last offseason during a serene evening at his ranch. Iglesias painted a vivid picture: “He was sitting at a table inside his home, looking through a glass door at his 150-acre ranch 90 minutes west of Miami, where animals were roaming peacefully, stars were occupying the sky and his family was having fun.” In that tranquil moment, surrounded by nature and loved ones, the song’s core message crystallized. “This is the type of energy I need, and anything negative should just be pushed away,” he recalled thinking.
The lyrics, imbued with this positive energy, came to him in Spanish:
Oh my god, todo lo malo hechalo pa’ allá
(Everything that’s bad, push it to the side)
Oh my god, dame salúd y prosperidad
(Give me health and prosperity)
The song’s themes of perseverance resonate deeply with Iglesias’ own journey. For the first time in eight years, he didn’t play in the major leagues in 2023. This unexpected time away allowed him to dedicate more energy to his music, but the desire to return to baseball remained. The thought of prematurely ending his baseball career lingered, fueling his determination to get back on the field.
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In early December, the Mets offered Iglesias a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. While known for his defensive prowess, the Mets saw untapped offensive potential. They challenged him to elevate his offensive game, focusing on increasing his exit velocity and hitting with more power. His dedication paid off. In 42 games with Syracuse, Iglesias showcased a new offensive dimension, hitting seven home runs with a .751 OPS. Even scouts from opposing teams recognized his resurgence, indicating they would have urged their clubs to pursue him if the Mets hadn’t provided the opportunity.
Since joining the Mets, Iglesias has become a valuable asset, filling in at second base and contributing consistently. He’s batting .370 with a 0.3 fWAR, proving his offensive improvements translate to the major league level. Defensively, he remains as reliable as ever. In a recent game against the Texas Rangers, Iglesias demonstrated his grit and determination. Despite a hard slide at second base, he completed a crucial double play, showcasing his resilience and commitment. Left fielder Brandon Nimmo lauded the play, comparing it to a quarterback completing a pass under pressure, and rushed in to celebrate with Iglesias.
“It says a lot of what’s going on here as of late, how much they care about each other and how much they want it,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza commented, highlighting the team’s newfound synergy. “Look, Iglesias has been huge. Even when he’s not playing, it’s his presence, the conversations in the dugout and always being ready to go. It’s good to have a player like that here.”
For any team, especially one like the Mets who rebounded from a dismal May, a player like Iglesias is invaluable. He embodies positivity, hard work, and infectious energy, significantly boosting team morale.
And having a catchy “omg song” certainly amplifies that positive atmosphere.
“That’s a dream come true,” Iglesias reflects on the song’s reception. “I do music because I love it and I use it as a message to inspire people who go through stuff in their lives. It’s a great way to deliver a message to the world. And I’m just very humbled how the guys here have connected with it.”
Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso’s endorsement further underscores the song’s genuine appeal. He told Iglesias, “Hey, we play it because we love it. We don’t just play it because you wrote it. No. We play it because it’s awesome.”
“That means the world to me,” Iglesias said, truly touched by the organic appreciation for his “omg song”. “Oh, my God.”
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(Photo: Jose Iglesias in action for the New York Mets)
