Former Mets folk hero Jose Iglesias ‘happy to be home’ in Citi Field return for first pitch

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Former Mets folk hero Jose Iglesias ‘happy to be home’ in Citi Field return for first pitch

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Former Met José Iglesias is greeted by New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor after throwing out the first pitch, Image 2 shows New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor greets former Met José Iglesias after he threw out the first pitch

Zach Braziller · NY Post Sports

Wed, Aug 19, 2026 ·

3 min read

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Jose Iglesias was back at Citi Field, back in Queens, where he enjoyed one of the most memorable seasons of his major league career.

The former Met threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Padres and was warmly greeted by the crowd, given a standing ovation.

The Mets played a highlight video on the big screen, accompanied by his hit song, "OMG."

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"It's great, extremely happy to see smiles everywhere and the way they opened the door for me was special one more time," he said. "Extremely, extremely happy to be home. It's a lot of emotions right now. Being in this part of the field, sitting on this bench reminds me of great moments."

Iglesias, 36, threw the first pitch to Francisco Lindor . It was a strike.

Iglesias was a key part of the 2024 Mets , who after a poor first two months of the season reached the NLCS.

He said it was a season he won't forget and one he will cherish.

Former Met José Iglesias is greeted by New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) after throwing out the first pitch before a game against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Citi Field. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Iglesias spent last season with the Padres and is now entering a new phase of his life, although he hasn't closed the door on his baseball career.

He is set to join the cast of the Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club on Aug. 27 in the role of the narrator. Iglesias will make history as the first Latino MLB player to appear on Broadway.

"I did not expect that call at all. It was an automatic yes," he said. "Coming back to New York and delivering the energy and now in this case representing Cuban music as an immigrant, it's a privilege.

"I'm surrounded by great teammates. They support me on a daily basis, they know this is totally new for me. It's a fun responsibility I have with my hands. I'm grabbing it with two hands like I would a ground ball and I won't let it go."

Former Met José Iglesias is greeted by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor after throwing out the first pitch before a game against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

Christopher Morel , called up Monday from Triple-A Syracuse, got the start Tuesday. The 27-year-old was hitting well in the minor leagues. He has bounced around after a hot start to his career with the Cubs, spending time with the Rays and Marlins. In 2023, Morel produced an .821 OPS and hit 26 home runs.

"I saw him be about as electric as any hitter in the game during a period of time," interim manager Andy Green said, referring to the time Morel spent with the Cubs."Ridiculous power, elite athleticism. I think we're taking a shot to see if we can recapture, rekindle some of that."

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Infielder Mark Vientos is nearing a rehabilitation assignment, according to Green. Vientos took batting practice and ran the bases ahead of the game Tuesday. He has been out since July 9 due to a fractured right hand.

A.J. Ewing's struggles continued with three more strikeouts. He is now in a 3-for-37 stretch with 17 strikeouts.

"I'm confident he'll come out the other side of it," Green said.

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