J.A. Happ
From BR Bullpen
James Anthony Happ
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 6", Weight 200 lb.
- School Northwestern University
- Debut June 30, 2007
- Born October 19, 1982 in Spring Valley, IL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher J.A. Happ was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 2004 amateur draft and made his pro debut that summer with the Batavia Muckdogs. After splitting the next season between the Lakewood BlueClaws and the Reading Phillies, he made three stops in 2006: the Clearwater Threshers, Reading again, and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. He began 2007 with the Ottawa Lynx and was called up to the majors to make a start for the Phillies on June 30th. He gave up five earned runs in four innings against the New York Mets and was then returned to AAA.
In 2008, Happ was back with the big club at the end of the season, making 4 starts in 8 appearances and picking up his first major league victory while posting a solid 3.69 ERA. In AAA, he went 8-7, 3.60 in 24 games with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He was on the Phillies' postseason roster and made one appearance in long relief in Game 3 of the NLCS, when Jamie Moyer was knocked out early by the Los Angeles Dodgers; he pitched three innings, giving up one run on 4 hits and 2 walks. He was not used in the World Series.
Happ had an excellent rookie season in 2009, going 12-4, 2.93 in 35 games (23 starts) for the Phillies. His two shutouts were tied for the National League lead. He started Game 3 against the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS but was not involved in the decision, then was used solely out of the bullpen for the remainder of the postseason, making one other appearance in the Division Series, 3 in the NLCS and two in the World Series, which the Phillies lost to the New York Yankees.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2009 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- NL Shutouts Leader (2009)
- Won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 (he did not play in the World Series)
