Cubs’ Ian Happ Shares the Love with Fans on Final Game
3 min read
Ian Happ has been with the Chicago Cubs for eight seasons and was an All-Star in 2022.
Chicago Cubs fans are no strangers to patience, having endured a staggering 108-year championship drought that lasted from 1908 until 2016. This long history of disappointment has taught them resilience and loyalty. Despite yet another season without playoff baseball, the Cubs maintained strong support, finishing the year with a commendable home attendance average of 35,949—the sixth-highest in Major League Baseball.
In a heartwarming gesture to thank the loyal fans, left fielder Ian Happ made a memorable appearance during the Cubs’ final game of the season. On Sunday, as the Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds, Happ threw a baseball wrapped in $100 bills into the left-field stands. This act of goodwill came after a challenging season where the Cubs posted an 83-79 record, marking their fourth consecutive year of missing the playoffs. The game itself ended in a 3-0 loss to the Reds.
The ball thrown by Happ bore a personal note that read, “Thanks for the support all season! Beers for the left field crew on me!” This gesture resonated deeply with fans, as it encapsulated the camaraderie and appreciation between players and supporters. The moment quickly went viral when shared on the Bleacher Bums Instagram account, a fan page dedicated to the spirited crowd in Wrigley Field’s left-field bleachers. The post exclaimed, “(Ian Happ) just tossed this ball to us with some $$ to buy our section some drinks for the last game of the year! What a guy! Cheers, Ian!”
Happ, who joined the Cubs in 2017, has always shown a strong connection to the fanbase. His appreciation for their unwavering support is evident in his actions. Last season, he made headlines by tossing a similarly wrapped ball to Cubs superfan “Bleacher Jeff.” This season, despite going 0-for-4 with a walk in the game against Cincinnati, Happ’s generous gesture shone brightly in a game that otherwise left much to be desired for the team.
The final game was a tense affair, highlighted by stellar pitching performances from Caleb Kilian for the Cubs and Hunter Greene for the Reds, which kept the score tied at 0-0 and ultimately pushed the game into extra innings. In the top of the 10th inning, the Reds finally broke the deadlock when Elly De La Cruz hit a two-run triple. Following that, Tyler Stephenson added another run with a single, giving Cincinnati a 3-0 lead that the Cubs could not overcome.
De La Cruz’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only contributed crucial runs but also stole two bases during the game. His 67 stolen bases for the season made him the leader in Major League Baseball, showcasing his impressive speed and skill on the field.
Though the Cubs fell short this season, the bond between players like Happ and their fans continues to flourish. Moments like these remind fans that, despite the ups and downs, the spirit of baseball—and the connection to their beloved team—remains strong. As the season comes to a close, Cubs fans can hold onto the hope that next year will bring new opportunities and, perhaps, a return to the playoffs.
In a city that knows both heartache and triumph, Ian Happ’s gesture stands as a testament to the enduring loyalty of Cubs fans and the players who appreciate them. As they look forward to the offseason, the anticipation for next year begins, bolstered by memories of shared moments and a promise of better days ahead.
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