History of Ian Happ in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

Ian Happ is a professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. Drafted by the Cubs in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft after playing college baseball for the Cincinnati Bearcats, he debuted in MLB in 2017. Acknowledged for his skills, Happ was named an All-Star in 2022 and has won Gold Glove Awards in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1992: Bernard Gilkey's Outfield Assists

In 1992, Bernard Gilkey was the last player to have multiple outfield assists at home plate before Ian Happ matched the feat on July 4, 2023.

August 12, 1994: Ian Happ's Birth

On August 12, 1994, Ian Edward Happ was born. He is an American professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2008: Cincinnati Bearcats Draft Picks

In 2008, Josh Harrison and Tony Campana, both former Cincinnati Bearcats, were drafted by the Chicago Cubs.

2013: Freshman Season

In 2013, as a freshman at the University of Cincinnati, Ian Happ started all 56 games and had a team-high .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, as a sophomore, Ian Happ started 50 of 51 games, hitting .322/.443/.497 with five home runs and 19 stolen bases for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

2015: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

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

2016: Minor League Assignments

In 2016, Ian Happ played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Tennessee Smokies, batting .279 with 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases across 134 total games. He also played for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League after the season.

2017: MLB Debut

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

2017: Promotion to Major Leagues

In 2017, Ian Happ was promoted to the major leagues by the Chicago Cubs on May 13. 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 24 home runs and 68 RBIs in 115 games.

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 of Jose Urena on the first pitch, becoming the second player in MLB history to hit a home run off the first pitch of an MLB season.

July 25, 2019: Recalled to the 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: 2020 Season

In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Ian Happ played center field for the Cubs and hit .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 and began hosting his podcast, The Compound, on their network.

2021: Salary Arbitration and Season Performance

In 2021, Ian Happ won his salary arbitration case. During the 2021 season, Happ led the Cubs with 66 RBIs and set career highs with 105 hits, 25 home runs, 63 runs scored, and 9 stolen bases.

May 2022: Engagement to Julie Mazur

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

2022: All-Star and Gold Glove Season

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

2022: CCBL Hall of Fame

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

April 13, 2023: Contract Extension with the Cubs

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

July 4, 2023: Multiple Outfield Assists

During a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 4, 2023, Ian Happ had multiple outfield assists at home plate, a feat not achieved since 1992 by Bernard Gilkey.