Ian Happ joined the broadcast booth repping a Seiya shirt in left field during batting practice prior to Monday’s game against the Cardinals. 

On Sunday afternoon, Happ hit his 100th career home run against the Brewers and got to meet the fan who caught the ball in the bleachers, Harrison Schwartz.

“It was his 10th birthday,” Happ said, sharing his interaction with Jon “Boog” Sciambi, Doug Glanville and Jim Deshaies. “He came down with his family after the game and we were able to do a little trade. He had a bat, a ball and then he had a card that he wanted me to sign. So I signed the card for him and he was gracious enough to give me the ball. That one is going in the collection.”

Happ also reflected on his first All-Star selection as he and Willson Contreras represented the Cubs in Los Angeles back in July. During the Midsummer Classic festivities, there was one player Happ was in awe of – Cardinals legend Albert Pujols, who is in town this week for a 5-game series at Wrigley Field.

“I grew up playing the video game that he was on the cover of and emulating his batting stance as a 12-year-old,” Happ said. “To share a clubhouse with him and be a part of what could be his last All-Star game, that was awesome to get see those moments.”

During the mic’d-up segment, Happ showed off his outfield routine and explained why he does it at the beginning of each series. 

“I like to get out there and see the grass and get a feel for it. I like to get a feel for how it’s bouncing to second base too,” Happ said. “I’ve played enough games here [at Wrigley Field] that you kind of have a feel for how the wind is going to go….It’s really about the flags in center that really make a difference.”

With teammate Seiya Suzuki’s first year in the majors, Happ recounted the interactions he’s had with his fellow outfielder. 

“I think he genuinely enjoys the game, enjoys baseball, enjoys being out here. We all wish that we could communicate with him more and be able to hear all the funny stuff that he says as we have to wait for Toy to say it, but he’s awesome,” Happ said. “He’s so happy for his teammates when guys do well. His adjustment to being here and all of that is impressive because it’s got to be so hard to be in a new country and not speak the language and still produce the way he’s produced.”

Another teammate stopped by to chat with Happ during batting practice. Patrick Wisdom trotted out to left field to wave to the trio in the broadcast booth and show off his dance skills for the camera.

Catch the full segment in the video above and head to Marquee Sports Network’s YouTube page for more in-depth features.