The Chicago Cubs have a long history compared to most major league teams. On Saturday, April 5th, one beloved Cubs outfielder will reach a significant career milestone. In a press conference before the game, manager Craig Counsell praised outfielder Ian Happ on playing his 1,000th career game, all with the Cubs.

“The big significance for me is 1,000 games with the same team. That’s to me what makes it rare and definitely worth talking about.” Craig Counsell praises Ian Happ on playing his 1,000th career game today — Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 5, 2025 Happ is just the third Cubs player to have played at least 1000 career games, all with the Cubs. There are 31 players who played over 1,000 games with the Cubs, but most have played elsewhere in their careers.

Happ joins Stan Hack and Ernie Banks as the only players in Cubs history to play for at least 1,000 games, and only with the Cubs. Reaching this milestone is a testament to Happ, as he’s been with the Cubs since 2017 and hasn’t left.

Counsell said that Happ playing all 1,000 of his games is impressive, especially because “… That, in this era of baseball, is not happening.” Many players sign deals or are traded elsewhere before they reach this milestone. Happ has stayed with the Cubs since he was drafted.

Reaching 1,000 games with any number of organizations is impressive. But Happ doing it all with the Cubs is incredibly rare and special. Counsell said Happ reaching 1,000 games with the Cubs “…speaks a lot about… how he’s gone about it, I think.”

Not every player is capable of staying with one team through the highs and lows for as long as Happ has. Happ’s commitment and mentality are huge reasons for reaching 1,000 games, all with the Cubs. According to Counsell, Happ’s milestone is “hard to do, it’s rare. “He’s made it this far, and he’s got a ways to go, too.” In the 999 games with the Cubs, Happ has logged a .247 batting average with 821 hits, 186 doubles, 16 triples, 151 home runs, and 483 RBIs across 3,318 at-bats. Happ is in his ninth season and tenth year since he was drafted by the Cubs in 2015.

Happ has been a fan favorite and beloved since he arrived in the Major Leagues. A one-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, Happ is a key part of Cubs history. His impact on the Cubs has been incredible, and the praise from his manager is well-deserved.