Ian Happ is not only the longest-tenured player on the Chicago Cubs, the left fielder is also the longest-tenured pro athlete in the city of Chicago. On Thursday, he scored the game-winning run as the Cubs clinched their second straight playoff berth and during what could be his final home game at Wrigley Field as a Cub, Happ bought some beers for fans sitting in the left-field bleachers.
Happ made his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 13, 2017 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He signed a three-year extension entering his final year under team control in 2023, and now the four-time Gold Glove winner is headed toward free agency following the 2026 season.
The left fielder is making this somewhat of a tradition, throwing a ball with some cash into the bleachers, showing some appreciation to the die-hard bleacher bums.
Happ was emotional while celebrating after Thursday’s win that clinched the Cubs playoff spot for this year’s postseason.
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Who knows what the future holds for Happ, but hopefully we’ll get several more of him at Wrigley Field this fall.
It hasn’t been his best year, but Happ has turned in another solid campaign for the Cubs. The switch-hitter has 24 home runs, 68 RBI, and has scored 89 runs in 2026, while posting a 110 wRC+ heading into Friday’s doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.
This will be Happ’s fourth postseason with the Cubs (five including 2020).
