DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias and outfielder Leonys Martin took the oath of allegiance to the United States in a naturalization ceremony before Monday's game at Comerica Park.

Martin's wife Yaimira was among the 23 other new citizens to pledge allegiance.

The ceremony was the culmination of a long process for Iglesias and Martin, both natives of Cuba who defected to the United States.

Martin endured a harrowing ordeal in which his smugglers allegedly held for him ransom in Mexico. Two men were convicted in the case.

Iglesias, now 28, defected 10 years ago while the Cuban junior national team was playing in Canada.

The ceremony on Monday was conducted with a judge and bailiff -- a courtroom on the infield. After "God Bless America" was performed, the judge gave a short talk about the responsibilities of citizenship and then the group repeated the oath to make it official.

Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire and a group of players cheered on the new citizens from the dugout.

There was a quick group picture and then Iglesias and Martin had to split. The game was about to get under way.