The Cubs selected University of Cincinnati outfielder Ian Happ with the ninth overall pick in the MLB Draft, and the former Cincinnati Bearcat won the Male Athlete of the Year Award.
Happ, who was the first Bearcat to be drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft, was named American Athletic Conference Player of the Year this season after hitting .369 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI. He also led the Bearcats with 49 walks, 18 double and 12 stolen bases.
Ian is very deserving of this award, Cincinnati head coach Ty Neal said. He has worked very hard on the field and in the classroom. He was a great role model for his teammates and represented the baseball program and the University of Cincinnati in a first-class manner.
Other notable MLB players who won the University of Cincinnati Male Athlete of the Year Award include Kevin Youkilis, Josh Harrison and Tony Campana. If Happ can follow in those guys’ foot steps, he will have a successful career in the MLB.
