Chicago, IL – On June 1, 2025, Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ cemented his place in baseball history by winning his third consecutive Gold Glove Award, a feat that makes him the first Cubs outfielder to achieve this prestigious hat-trick. The announcement, celebrated with fervor by Cubs fans, has sparked curiosity: what’s the secret behind Happ’s defensive mastery at Wrigley Field’s notoriously tricky left field? In a candid post-award interview, Happ shared insights that surprised fans and revealed the dedication behind his defensive prowess.

Happ’s journey to three straight Gold Gloves is a story of grit, adaptation, and mentorship. Since his MLB debut in 2017, Happ has been a cornerstone for the Cubs, playing his 1,000th game with the team in April 2025. Early in his career, he was a versatile but inconsistent defender, shuttling between positions. By 2022, however, Happ transformed into a defensive stalwart in left field, a position he’s since mastered. “It’s a lot of hard work,” Happ said, emphasizing the effort behind his multi-year success. “Wrigley’s a special place with unique challenges.”

Wrigley Field’s left field is no easy domain. The tight foul territory, ivy-covered walls, and unpredictable winds demand precision and instincts. Happ credits former Cubs stars Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward for teaching him to navigate these quirks. “They showed me how to read the wall, how to position myself,” he shared, a revelation that surprised fans who hadn’t realized the extent of veteran influence on his game. Happ’s ability to turn low-probability plays—like a 25% catch probability diving grab in his 1,000th game—into highlights underscores his mastery.

In 2024, Happ’s defensive stats were stellar. He led all MLB left fielders with 11 assists, tying for second among outfielders, and posted eight defensive runs saved, tops among NL left fielders. His SABR Defensive Index (SDI) of 9.6 ranked seventh among NL position players, showcasing his elite fielding. These numbers, combined with his errorless play in 1248.1 innings, edged out competitors like Arizona’s Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Philadelphia’s Brandon Marsh.

But Happ’s secret sauce isn’t just physical. Mental preparation and leadership play a huge role. In 2025, the Cubs leaned on Happ to mentor younger players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw, a role he embraced despite a brief stint on the injured list with an oblique strain in May. “He’s our anchor,” said manager Craig Counsell, noting Happ’s clubhouse presence. Happ’s ability to stay focused through offensive slumps—hitting .243 with 25 homers in 2024—ensured his defensive game never wavered.

Fans were also surprised by Happ’s emphasis on his throwing arm, which he called his proudest achievement in 2024. “I worked on my arm strength all offseason,” he revealed, explaining how targeted drills improved his assist numbers. This dedication paid off, as he tied for the NL outfield lead in assists, a stat that swayed Gold Glove voters.

Happ’s historic achievement places him among Cubs legends like Anthony Rizzo, Ryne Sandberg, and Ron Santo, who also won at least three consecutive Gold Gloves. He’s also the only NL left fielder since 2011 to win three straight, joining an elite group of outfielders like Ender Inciarte and Jason Heyward. “To be mentioned with those names is humbling,” Happ said.

Despite the Cubs missing the postseason in 2024, Happ’s award offers a bright spot. His 3.9 bWAR, career-high 86 RBIs, and 89 runs scored in 2024 highlight his value as a two-way player. As the Cubs build around young talent for 2025, Happ’s glove and leadership will be crucial.

So, what’s the secret behind Happ’s hat-trick? It’s a blend of relentless work, veteran wisdom, and a love for Wrigley’s challenges. “Every day, I’m learning something new about this field,” he said, a statement that resonates with fans who see him as the heart of the Cubs’ outfield. As he accepted his third Gold Glove, Happ’s grin said it all: this is just the beginning.