Career Timeline of Ian Happ: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ian Happ built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ian Happ is a professional baseball outfielder playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Drafted by the Cubs in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft after playing college baseball for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, he debuted in MLB in 2017. Happ was an MLB All-Star in 2022 and is a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, earning the distinction in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: Cincinnati Bearcats Drafted by Cubs

In 2008, Josh Harrison and Tony Campana, also from the Cincinnati Bearcats, were drafted by the Cubs.

2013: Freshman Season

In 2013, as a freshman at the University of Cincinnati, Ian Happ started all 56 games and led the team with a .322 batting average.

2014: Sophomore Season

During his sophomore year in 2014, Ian Happ started 50 of 51 games, hitting .322/.443/.497 with five home runs and 19 stolen bases for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

2015: Draft Prospect

In 2015, Ian Happ was considered a top prospect for the Major League Baseball draft and was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round.

2015: Drafted by Chicago Cubs

In 2015, the Chicago Cubs selected Ian Happ in the first round of the MLB draft.

2016: Playing Second Base Regularly

In 2016, Ian Happ started playing second base regularly for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, after being assigned to the team to begin the season.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Ian Happ made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

2017: MLB Debut and First Home Run

In 2017, Ian Happ was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut, hitting a 413-foot home run off Carlos Martínez of the St. Louis Cardinals for his first career MLB hit.

March 29, 2018: Home Run on Opening Day

On March 29, 2018, in the opening day game against the Miami Marlins, Ian Happ hit a home run off the first pitch by Jose Urena, making him the second player in MLB history to achieve this feat.

July 25, 2019: Recalled to Majors

On July 25, 2019, Ian Happ was recalled to the major leagues.

September 30, 2019: National League Player of the Week

On September 30, 2019, Ian Happ was named National League Player of the Week.

2020: Started in Center Field

In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Ian Happ started in center field for the Cubs.

2021: Investment in Jomboy Media

In 2021, Ian Happ invested in Jomboy Media and agreed to host his podcast, "The Compound", on their network.

2021: Salary Arbitration and Career Highs

In 2021, Ian Happ won his salary arbitration case against the Cubs and set career highs with 105 hits, 25 home runs, 63 runs scored, and 9 stolen bases.

2022: All-Star and Gold Glove Season

In 2022, Ian Happ played a career-high 158 games, made his first All-Star game, and won a Gold Glove Award in left field.

April 13, 2023: Contract Extension with the Cubs

On April 13, 2023, Ian Happ signed a three-year, $61 million contract extension with the Cubs.

July 4, 2023: Multiple Outfield Assists

During a game on July 4, 2023, against the Milwaukee Brewers, Ian Happ had multiple outfield assists at home plate, becoming the first player to do so since 1992.