CHICAGO, IL – Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ (the main character in this emotional moment) was visibly overcome with emotion while accepting his fourth consecutive National League Gold Glove Award for left field. His tears were not just those of joy, but a profound release following years of intense struggle and self-doubt that once threatened his career.
Happ, who secured his fourth straight Gold Glove in the 2025 season, spoke with a choked voice about the journey required to achieve defensive mastery—a path few expected him to take early in his career.
The Silent Promise and Hidden Fear
When Happ broke into the league, his defensive ability was considered a major weakness. He was a natural infielder who struggled to find a steady position, often moving between second base, third base, and all three outfield spots.
- The Early Struggles: In his early years (particularly 2018-2020), Happ was notorious for high strikeout rates and defensive inconsistency, leading the Cubs to demote him to Triple-A in 2019 to work on his approach. This period was the likely source of the “fear that once made Happ almost give up everything.”
- The Transformation: He made a silent promise to himself to master his defense in left field. Since 2022, he has emerged as one of the best left fielders in the game, leading NL left fielders in 2025 with 9 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), and becoming the only NL left fielder to win four straight Gold Gloves since the award went position-specific in 2011.
The Emotional Acceptance
Holding the coveted prize—a validation that his move to the outfield was not only successful but elite—Happ delivered a tearful, powerful message to the audience and the fans at Wrigley Field:
“I have never stopped trying and believing in myself…”
His raw emotion underscored the immense psychological effort involved in reshaping his identity from a utility player with a bat to an elite, well-rounded performer. The award represents not just the fielding ability he has today, but the resilience he showed in overcoming his early defensive struggles.
His triumph is now a symbol for the new era of the Cubs, who secured a Major League-high three Gold Gloves in 2025, demonstrating the success of their commitment to defense and development.
Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner were two of the three Cubs Gold Glove winners. As the Cubs focus on the next step, would you like to review the latest news on the Cubs’ pursuit of free-agent first baseman Cody Bellinger to fill their biggest offensive hole?
