Ian Happ Secures Third Consecutive Gold Glove Award, Cementing His Place in Cubs History(Cubbies Crib)
Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ has been honored with his third consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award, recognizing his exceptional defensive performance during the 2024 Major League Baseball season. This achievement makes Happ the first outfielder in Cubs history to win three straight Gold Gloves, placing him alongside notable Cubs infielders such as Anthony Rizzo, Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace, and Ron Santo, who have also achieved similar defensive accolades .(Bleed Cubbie Blue, Cubs Insider)
In the 2024 season, Happ led all Major League left fielders with 11 outfield assists and topped National League left fielders with eight defensive runs saved. His impressive .997 fielding percentage was among the best in the league, underscoring his reliability and skill in the outfield .(Bleed Cubbie Blue)
Since the beginning of his Gold Glove streak in 2022, Happ has consistently demonstrated defensive excellence, leading all left fielders with 31 outfield assists and ranking second in the majors with 23 defensive runs saved. His durability is also noteworthy, having played 445 games and committed only seven errors over 3,280 innings in left field during this period .(Bleed Cubbie Blue)
Happ’s achievement is particularly significant given the evolution of the Gold Glove Awards. Since 2011, when the awards began recognizing outfielders by specific positions, Happ is the only National League left fielder to win the award in three consecutive seasons. In the American League, only Alex Gordon has accomplished this feat, with two separate four-year streaks for the Kansas City Royals .(Bleed Cubbie Blue, MLB.com)
This third Gold Glove not only highlights Happ’s defensive prowess but also solidifies his status as a cornerstone of the Cubs’ outfield and a leader within the team.