MLB outfielder Ian Happ, who has played his entire 10-year career with the Chicago Cubs, treated fans to free concessions during the final regular-season home game.
Happ, a four-time Gold Glove winner, has played over 500 games at Wrigley Field.
With free agency looming this offseason, the 32-year-old wanted to ensure he gave Cubs fans a proper thank you before potentially leaving Chicago. Moments before the game began, Happ tossed a baseball wrapped with $200 in cash. The money-coated
"Thank you for 10 incredible years, for the positivity and unwavering support. You are the best fans in sports! Beers on me!"
On Friday, the Cubs clinched a playoff berth and could potentially host a playoff game at Wrigley this October.
Additionally, the veteran outfielder could ultimately return to the Cubs for another season in Chicago.
Still, Happ wanted to ensure that he expressed gratitude to the fans now, even if he does wind up playing more baseball at Wrigley.
Ian Happ Explains Kind Gesture to Cubs Fans
"This is the last controllable day here," Happ said before Thursday's game, via ESPN's Jesse Rogers. "I'll take it in. It's crazy. 10 years of memories. There will be emotions. I want to savor it. There's no fanbase more supportive of its players."
Happ was selected No. 9 overall by the Cubs in the 2015 MLB Draft. The switch-hitting slugger made his MLB debut in 2017, one season after the Cubs snapped a 108-year championship drought. Happ dazzled in his rookie season, mashing 24 home runs with 68 RBIs.
Happ's best season by Wins Above Replacement (4.3) was 2022, his lone appearance in the All-Star Game. He hit 42 doubles and 17 home runs that season while hitting a career-best .271.
Happ's farewell gift was not the only surprise Cubs fans experienced this week. WWE superstar and Chicago native CM Punk on Thursday tossed the ceremonial first pitch. The former WWE Champion also led the Wrigley Field crowd in a "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" performance during the seventh-inning stretch.
