Orestes Kindelán is nominated for the Latin Grammy

September 29, 2023

The outstanding Orestes Kindelán, who made his debut in music with the Septeto Santiaguero, became the first Cuban baseball player nominated for a Latin Grammy in history, the musical group reported this Thursday.

Kindelán's nomination comes for his participation in the single "Los mangos bajitos," a composition by Inocencio Heredia, "El Legendario" of the Septeto Santiaguero, the group detailed in a post on social media.

The song is part of the group's new album named "Y sigo pa'lante," dedicated to Santiago's musical heritage, recently explained from Europe by Fernando Dewar, director of the Septeto.

This is the seventh Latin Grammy nomination for the Septeto Santiaguero, which adds to two previous awards, and it is also the first time that a Cuban baseball player has reached this prestigious music competition.

The album is a jewel when it comes to collaborations. In addition to Kindelán's presence, other singers contributed their voice and talent to the recording, such as Dominican José Alberto El Canario and Cubans Alain Pérez, Mayito Rivera, Pancho Amat, Waldo Mendoza and others.

On this occasion, the category in which they are competing is Best Traditional Tropical Album.

Also in this section, the productions Tierra, Songs By Cuban Women, by Estrella Acosta; Tour Sinfónico En Vivo Auditorio Nacional de la La Sonora Santanera, En Tiempo De Son. Homenaje A Las Canciones De: Jorge Luis Piloto, Septeto Acarey by Reynier Pérez; and the Cuban albums Danzoneando (En Vivo Desde Matanzas) by Orquesta Failde and Vida by Omara Portuondo were nominated, the Septeto reported on its official website.

Kindelán, the Cuban baseball player with the most home runs hit in national series (487), is known by baseball fans as the Tambor mayor for the undeniable force of his hits.

The epithet brought him close to music for years, but it was not until 2021 that the greatest home run hitter honored it alongside a musical group from the island. His birthday is November 1st and 15 days later, the 16th, will reveal whether he can add to his long list of awards, medals and titles, that of winner of a Latin Grammy, something that so far none of his fellow countrymen baseball players possess.