Ian Happ’s baseball career took a turn for the better when the third-year outfielder was picked ninth overall by the Chicago Cubs at the Major League Baseball draft in June.

Happ is the highest draft pick in the University of Cincinnati’s baseball history and the only Bearcat player to land a spot in the first round.

During his third season for UC, Happ hit an average of .369, with a .492 on-base percentage.  He produced 49 bases on balls, 47 runs, 18 doubles, 14 homeruns and 44 runs batted in, according to The Baseball Cube’s official website.

Happ’s numbers were also noticed by Baseball America when he was listed as one of the top three pure college hitters.

After watching the outfielder have a productive career for the Bearcats, UC Head Coach Ty Neal was confident Happ would get drafted before reaching his senior season.

“Ian’s a very mature young man,” Neal said. “He and I had a good enough relationship, so once it got down closer to the draft I knew we were going to lose him, and he knew he was going to be moving on.”

Happ’s professional career inspired previous teammate and Bearcat catcher Woody Wallace to remember his determination and hard work.

“It was awesome to see him drafted and to be picked so high,” Wallace said.“It’s wild to see one of your best friends go from college student to one of the biggest prospects in the major leagues and I couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”

Neal believes that someone will have to step up due to the team’s loss of one its star players.

“He could impact the game with one swing or with his arm or by stealing a base, but now it’s someone else’s turn to lead this program now and step into that role,” Neal said.

Although the Bearcats are being forced to move forward without their leader, Wallace said there is nothing to worry about.

“We have a great core group of guys coming back and a great freshman class coming in,” Wallace said. “I think we are going to be just fine. Everyone has bought into this program, we are definitely on the up and up. Look out for the Bearcats.”