Ian Happ Bio
Ian Edward Happ is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at the University of Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team. The Cubs selected Happ in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2017. Happ was an All-Star in 2022 and won a Gold Glove Award in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Early Life and Background
Ian Happ was born on August 12, 1994, in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He attended Mt. Lebanon High School, where he excelled in baseball, achieving a .449 batting average with 12 home runs and 65 runs batted in during his four seasons. His impressive high school performance led him to commit to the University of Cincinnati, where he played for the Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team. As a freshman, Happ started in all 56 games, posting a team-high .322 batting average and showcasing his potential as a future professional player.
Path to Baseball
Happ’s collegiate career was marked by significant achievements. In his sophomore year, he maintained a .322 batting average and stole 19 bases. He also played summer baseball for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he was named an all-star both seasons. After a standout junior season, where he hit .369 with 14 home runs, Happ was recognized as one of the top prospects for the 2015 MLB draft. The Chicago Cubs selected him with the ninth overall pick, making him the 50th player drafted from the University of Cincinnati.
Ian Happ Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Ian Happ made his MLB debut on May 13, 2017, after being promoted from the Iowa Cubs. In his debut game, he hit a 413-foot home run off Carlos Martínez of the St. Louis Cardinals, marking a memorable start to his professional career. Over the 2017 season, he played in 115 games, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 68 runs. His performance established him as a promising young talent in the league.
Breakthrough (2020-2022)
The 2020 season saw Happ starting in center field for the Cubs, where he hit .258 with 12 home runs in 57 games. In 2021, he filed for salary arbitration, ultimately winning the hearing and securing a $4.1 million salary. He had a productive season, leading the team with 66 RBIs and setting career highs in several categories. In 2022, Happ reached new heights, playing a career-high 158 games and earning his first All-Star selection. He also won his first Gold Glove Award, solidifying his reputation as an outstanding defensive player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ian Happ’s signature achievements include being named an All-Star in 2022 and winning multiple Gold Glove Awards from 2022 to 2025. His consistent performance and defensive skills have made him a key player for the Chicago Cubs.
Ian Happ Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ian Happ has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including his All-Star selection and multiple Gold Glove nominations.
Ian Happ Awards Won
Ian Happ has won multiple awards, including the Gold Glove Award for National League left fielders in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. He was also named an All-Star in 2022, highlighting his impact in Major League Baseball.
Ian Happ Family
Ian Happ is married to Julie Mazur. The couple got engaged in May 2022 and were married on November 18, 2023.
Personal Life
In addition to his baseball career, Ian Happ has ventured into digital media. In 2021, he invested in Jomboy Media, a company focused on sports and pop culture content, and hosts a podcast titled The Compound on their network.