History of Ian Happ in Timeline

Ian Happ is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Drafted by the Cubs in 2015 out of the University of Cincinnati, he debuted in the major leagues in 2017. His career highlights include being named an All-Star in 2022 and winning the Gold Glove Award consecutively in 2022, 2023, and 2024, recognizing his defensive excellence.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 12, 1994: Ian Happ's Birth

On August 12, 1994, Ian Edward Happ was born. He would later become a professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Drafted Players

In 2008, Josh Harrison and Tony Campana, who also played for Cincinnati, were drafted by the Cubs.

2013: Freshman Season

In 2013, during his freshman year at the University of Cincinnati, Ian Happ started in all 56 games, leading the team with a .322 batting average, .483 slugging percentage, .451 on-base percentage, six home runs, 41 runs scored, 13 doubles, and 47 walks.

2014: Sophomore Season

In 2014, during his sophomore year at the University of Cincinnati, Ian Happ played in 50 of 51 games, achieving a .322/.443/.497 batting line with five home runs and 19 stolen bases.

2015: Draft Prospect

In 2015, Ian Happ was considered one of the top prospects for the Major League Baseball draft. The Chicago Cubs selected him in the first round, with the ninth overall selection.

2015: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

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

2016: Minor League Baseball

In 2016, Ian Happ played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Tennessee Smokies, batting .279/.365/.445 with 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases across 134 games.

2017: MLB Debut

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

2017: MLB Debut and Rookie Season

In 2017, Ian Happ was promoted to the major leagues by the Chicago Cubs on May 13. He hit a home run in his debut game. On June 13, he became the fifth player in MLB history to hit a grand slam and strike out four times in the same game. He finished the season with a .253/.328/.514 slash line, 24 home runs, and 68 RBIs.

March 29, 2018: Opening Day Home Run

On March 29, 2018, in the opening day game against the Miami Marlins, Ian Happ hit a home run off the first pitch, becoming only the second player in MLB history to achieve this feat at the beginning of a season.

July 25, 2019: Return to the Majors

On July 25, 2019, Ian Happ was recalled to the major leagues after working on his strikeout rate with the Iowa Cubs.

September 30, 2019: National League Player of the Week

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

2020: 2020 Season

During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Ian Happ played center field for the Cubs, hitting .258/.361/.505 with 12 home runs and 28 RBIs in 57 games.

2021: Investment in Jomboy Media

In 2021, Ian Happ invested in Jomboy Media, a digital media company, 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. He also set career highs with 105 hits, 25 home runs, 63 runs scored, and 9 stolen bases, leading the Cubs with 66 RBIs.

May 2022: Engagement

In May 2022, Ian Happ got engaged to his girlfriend, Julie Mazur.

2022: Career-High Season and All-Star Selection

In 2022, Ian Happ played a career-high 158 games, hitting .271/.342/.440 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs. He also earned his first All-Star selection and a Gold Glove Award.

2022: CCBL Hall of Fame Induction

In 2022, Ian Happ was inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame.

2022: All-Star and Gold Glove Award

In 2022, Ian Happ was named an All-Star and won his first Gold Glove Award.

April 13, 2023: Contract Extension

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

July 4, 2023: Multiple Outfield Assists at Home

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