Caleb Durbin ’22, Milwaukee Brewers third baseman, will play against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium Sept. 19-21. (Clara Richards | Student Life)

In the movie “Happy Gilmore,” there’s a famous line: “It’s all in the hips.” That’s what Gilmore’s mentor, Chubbs Peterson, told him while refining his golf swing.

When Milwaukee Brewers’ manager Pat Murphy helped improve Caleb Durbin ‘22’s approach at the plate, Murphy must have told Durbin that “it’s all in the hips,” because he nicknamed him “Happy.”

Durbin earned this nickname while becoming one of the best rookies in all of baseball. Their starting third baseman provided a spark to the team, helping lead the Brewers to become the first team in Major League Baseball to clinch a playoff spot. As the Brewers travel to St. Louis to face the Cardinals from Sept. 19-21, Durbin and Milwaukee are en route to finishing the 2025 season with one of the best records in baseball.

“Winning’s more fun than anything,” Durbin said. “[My low strikeout rate] is the biggest reason why I’m [in the Major Leagues], so that helps me kind of focus on the other parts of my game, as far as trying to get really good swings out there and bat speed, and approach, and trying to do damage.”

Durbin currently holds a .262 batting average and a .739 OPS, with 11 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and 49 RBI. His 15 stolen bases rank third among qualified National League rookies, and his 49 RBI ranks fifth.

Durbin debuted on April 18, where he collected two hits. On June 7, he hit a walk-off home run against the San Diego Padres. From his walk-off home run on, Durbin hit for a batting average of .296 in a 30-day stretch.

“I mean, [the home run] didn’t hurt [my confidence],” Durbin said. “I think you just chase the feels, and I’ve definitely felt more comfortable. You don’t really feel settled in as a rookie, but you definitely feel like you’re getting back to what you do best, and that’s kind of been the case for me.”

Durbin said he has enjoyed his success at the major league level, but this isn’t why his nickname is “Happy.”

Playing alongside established stars like teammates Christian Yelich and Rhys Hoskins, it can be easy for a young big leaguer to take their opportunity for granted. The Brewers are a special case, though — many of the team’s best players, including Durbin, Jackson Chourio, Isaac Collins, and Jacob Misiorowski, are rookies. Durbin is humble and grateful for every moment he gets to be in the Major Leagues.

“You try to stay in the moment and focus on what you’re trying to do,” Durbin said, “but obviously, taking a look back at it, you’re in the Big Leagues. Every day you’re in the Big Leagues, you’re living the dream.”

Durbin made it clear that he enjoys being able to play baseball every day at the highest level, but that still isn’t why he got the nickname “Happy.” Despite his personal achievements, Durbin says his greatest accomplishment this season is simply being a teammate.

“I think we have a ton of talent on this team,” Durbin said. “We have guys who just prioritize winning, so we’re playing winning baseball because we’ve got winning players.”

Durbin earned the nickname “Happy” because of how he approaches baseball. Amid all the success he’s had while evolving from WashU’s starting shortstop to one of the best rookies in Major League Baseball, Durbin’s everlasting selfless mentality is his most admirable trait. Today, he plays baseball the same way he did when he played for WashU — by putting the team first.

“That really takes all the individual pressure off you when you’re putting the team first,” Durbin said. “That’s kind of been the mindset that’s helped me.”

Durbin’s story serves as an inspiration to all Division III athletes that if they work hard enough at their sport, then anything is possible. But it also shows what WashU students can achieve with dedication, determination, and a positive attitude.

Durbin is a beacon of light for WashU students. The nickname “Happy” suits him well.