NEW YORK — The pop sensation “OMG,” performed by New York Mets infielder Jose Iglesias, has turned into an exhilarating anthem for the team’s unexpected playoff journey. Since its debut on streaming services in late June, this catchy tune showcases a spirited vibe that resonates both on and off the field, embodying the joyful atmosphere surrounding the Mets. The Spanish-language song has notably become a staple at Citi Field, accumulating more than 2 million audio and video streams in the U.S. by early October, according to music analytics firm Luminate. The official music video has also achieved close to 4.5 million views on YouTube.
As the Mets prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers at home in the National League Championship Series, the momentum of “OMG” appears poised to continue its rise. Recently, the renowned artist Pitbull released a remix of the song featuring Colombian artist Silvestre Dangond, adding to its excitement and reach.
The sound of “OMG” is characterized as a contemporary Latin pop track enriched with reggaetón and tropical music elements—genres prevalent throughout Latin America and the U.S., according to music journalist Gary Suarez. “The song is purely positive pop music,” he explains. “It celebrates good fortune in the face of adversity—exactly what you’d want in a baseball anthem.” One inspiring line from the song is “No tengo nada pero soy feliz,” or “I have nothing but I’m happy,” which emphasizes a theme of joy.
The bilingual chorus amplifies the song’s appeal, featuring Iglesias singing, “Oh my god! Dame salúd y prosperidad,” translating to “Oh my god! Give me health and prosperity.” It reflects a growing representation for communities, particularly for the large Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban populations involved in baseball. As noted by Suarez, “There was a need for a song that resonates with this world,” especially within the Mets organization. Furthermore, the Pitbull remix adds star quality to the track, possibly extending its enduring presence beyond the Mets’ season as it was composed in the Miami area, Pitbull’s home.
Pitbull, despite being a Marlins supporter, expressed a connection to Iglesias, stating, “As a Cuban American, our shared culture makes this song relatable.” He added that the essence of the song encapsulates the spirit of overcoming struggles, making it fitting for the Mets’ underdog journey.
Regarding Iglesias’s own story, he stepped onto the major league stage with the Boston Red Sox in May 2011, where he notably won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2013 and became an All-Star with the Detroit Tigers in 2015. Having played for seven different teams over 12 seasons and earning nearly $40 million in salary, Iglesias’s trajectory seemed uncertain by 2023, necessitating a stint in the minor leagues. During this time, he embraced his artistic side by releasing Latin pop songs under the alias Candelita, with tracks like “Tambor” and “Cantinero.”
In early 2023, he collaborated with Cuban singer Lenier on “No Voy a Volver” along with several solo projects—yet none have garnered attention like “OMG.” Iglesias penned and recorded the song last offseason at his ranch near Miami while preparing to join the Mets. Initially starting the season in Triple-A, he seized an unexpected opportunity to play in New York due to injuries and made his major league debut for the Mets on May 31, using “OMG” as his walk-up song. His lively performance on the field quickly made him a standout player, with the song developing into a rallying point for the team.
The first live performance of “OMG” took place after a victory against the Houston Astros at Citi Field, further solidifying its status as a fan favorite. The single rocketed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales in July, selling over 1,000 downloads in its debut week. The vibrant music video features diverse workers celebrating, culminating in an outdoor gathering that embodies the song’s festive spirit.
Following that memorable performance, Iglesias expressed his elation: “It’s hard to share my feelings—singing in front of such fantastic fans and seeing my teammates join in was a dream come true.” Today, “OMG” plays after every Mets home run and win, becoming synonymous with celebrations in the clubhouse, where they’ve hosted multiple champagne celebrations in recent weeks.
The connection between baseball and music is longstanding, with players often incorporating their walk-up choices into the game-day experience. While it may not be unusual to see some athletes venture into music, chart success is indeed rare. Notable examples include Deion Sanders’ 1994 R&B-rap album “Prime Time” and Bernie Williams’ jazzy debut, reflecting the blending of sports and artistic pursuits.
The Mets fan base is rich with musical talent, featuring names like Nas and Billy Joel, both known for their connections to the team. The future looks bright, with hopes for further remixes of “OMG.” As the season unfolds, the potential for pop culture and sports to blend continues to invigorate fans and players alike.