OMG: Jose Iglesias to perform hit song before Home Run Derby on Monday night
Jose Iglesias #11 of the New York Mets throws for an out during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in the Queens borough of New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Such is the state of Jose Iglesias’ season that even on the rare recent days when the Mets lose, he wins.
Take Sunday, when the Rockies defeated the Mets, 8-5, at Citi Field to end the home team’s five-game winning streak.
Before the game, it was announced that Iglesias would perform his popular song, “OMG,” before Monday night’s MLB Home Run Derby in Arlington, Texas.
Then the game started, and he went 4-for-4 with a walk and made a couple of nifty plays at third base.
He now is batting .750 in his past three games and .380 overall, and his OPS is . . . (checking notes to make sure this is right) .999.
“Another great day today,” manager Carlos Mendoza said of the veteran infielder.
Iglesias was called up from Triple-A Syracuse on May 31, just in time for the Mets to turn around their season. Since June 2, when they were 24-35, they are 25-11.
No one in the Mets’ organization — or among fans — doubts a connection between Iglesias’ promotion and the team’s drastic improvement.
“He’s been fantastic,” said Pete Alonso, who on Sunday hit his first home run since July 2 and will represent the Mets in the Derby and the All-Star Game itself.
“When you talk about a clubhouse guy, for sure, he just brings such positive energy every single day. The man’s doing it right now. He’s been fantastic with the bat, but he’s been so much better with his glove.
“He makes unbelievable plays defensively. He’s super-savvy. But also right now, he can’t do any wrong at the plate. He’s raking for us right now. We love to see that. He’s a great guy. He deserves all the success on the field and off the field with his music career.”
When someone asked Iglesias after the game what he needs to do to maintain a 1.000 OPS after the All-Star break, he laughed heartily.
“I have no idea,” he said. “Continue the mindset. Just competing every at-bat.”
Iglesias was an All-Star with the Tigers in 2015. The fact that he is returning to All-Star week on Monday at age 34 and in another capacity illustrates how remarkable a ride he is on.
But as much as he has become a cuddly symbol of a scrappy team, he is proving that he can actually play.
“His ability to put the ball in play, his two-strike approach, he’s a tough at-bat,” Mendoza said. “Then the defense, not only at second base. At third base today, a couple of great defensive plays.
“The energy, the passion, the care. There’s a lot to like about Jose right now. He’s having a great year so far.”
Iglesias initially was reluctant to make a side trip to Texas because he was looking forward to spending time with his family and resting.
But when MLB reached out and invited him to the festivities, he felt he had to say yes. He plans to return home late Monday or early Tuesday.
“It’s a unique opportunity,” he said. “I’ve been an All-Star as a player, so now as a singer. Pretty good, right? . . . Definitely, I’m very humbled by the opportunity.”
Iglesias called it a “win-win situation” because he can perform his song and also support Alonso in his attempt to win a third Home Run Derby.
Asked if he hopes to be a “good-luck charm” for Alonso, he said, “100%. It will be really cool for Pete. I’m pretty sure he’s going to get it done. He’s been there before.”
Said Alonso, “Any time we hear the song, ‘Oh my God,’ we love hearing it, and there’s always been a ton of homers. I’m excited for him to perform. It’s great for him, but it’s great to have him there.”
Iglesias performed his song at Citi Field after a victory over the Astros on June 29, the day it was officially released. Teammates joined him on the field to dance to it.
So yes, on a personal level, 2024 has been very good to Iglesias. He has returned the favor to the team and its fans.
“What more can you ask for?” he said. “The team’s playing really well, everybody’s healthy heading into the break, and it’s just a dream come true.”
Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.