The Chicago Cubs clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 on Tuesday with an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Although there was a lot of celebration and excitement in Chicago, it was also an emotional accomplishment.
Cubs' outfielder Ian Happ opened up after the game on how much this season has meant to him and the emotions around another playoff run.
Ian Happ Gets Emotional About Playoff Berth
Happ is the longest-tenured Cub on Chicago's roster, as he's playing his ninth year with the Cubs. The veteran outfielder was a rookie just getting his feet wet when the Cubs won their World Series in 2016.
The Cubs made the postseason three of the next four years in the early stage of Happ's career, but hadn't been back since 2020. Not only will the Chicago be headed back to the playoffs, but Happ caught the final out of the clinching game.
Ian Happ deserves this so much 🥹 pic.twitter.com/uiv301bwYC
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) September 17, 2025
"It's special. Just hitting me a little bit," Happ said as he held back tears. "It's going to be great to be back in the postseason. The fanbase, the organization, the group of guys here... Through some tough years, through some really close calls in the last couple years. I know all the work they put in, I know all the work we put in since Day 1. Players, coaching staff, means a lot."
Happ is a very even-keel player that doesn't normally show a lot of emotion. But, you can tell this season has meant something special to him, and his interview is one that'll give Cubs' fans chills.
"It's special ... It's gonna be great to be back in the postseason."
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 17, 2025
Ian Happ is emotional after the Cubs clinched a playoff berth. pic.twitter.com/v0bwV3D8yF
"It's a long season. You get really close to these guys, you spend a lot of time. For the guys that are getting back, it's always special," Happ said. "To give these young guys a taste of it, it's going to be really, really cool."
It hasn't been an easy season for Happ. He dealt with an injury early in the year, and struggled to find his groove at the plate when he returned. But, the Cubs' fan favorite stuck with it, just as his team did through the ups and downs of the season, and Chicago will be back in the playoffs in 2025.