Arlington Heights man wins Cubs PA job

It's been an interesting couple of days for Andrew Belleson.

On Thursday, the Arlington Heights resident sold his Naperville-based restaurant - Dino's.

On Friday, the 24-year-old Belleson learned he beat out a field of 2,954 applicants and was named the Cubs' new public address announcer.

"The timing really worked out well," Belleson said. "I think I'm more excited and amazed more than anything. I can't wait for Opening Day, just to be a part of the Wrigley Field experience and all of the history."

The Cubs open the season at home next Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

While he has a restaurant background and is currently pursuing an MBA through Argosy University, Belleson does have experience behind the microphone.

A Lombard native and Glenbard East High School graduate, Belleson did radio broadcasting from 2002-06 for the minor-league Rockford RiverHawks, and worked as the team's P.A. announced in 2007.

Belleson started working in summers with Rockford when he was 15 years old.

"I've done other things, but this is something I've always loved to do," said Belleson, a lifelong Cubs fan. "To get to do this at Wrigley Field with the Cubs … I'm just trying to let it all sink in."

Belleson replaces long-time announcer Paul Friedman, who reportedly left to pursue another job opportunity.

Cubs officials said the 2,954 applicants were from 48 states and Canada.

During the three-week search, the number was pared from the original field to 25 and down to the final 4.

Belleson learned he landed the job at noon on Friday.

"It was a very difficult decision, as there were so many quality PA announcers who applied from across the country," said Wally Hayward, the club's head of sales and marketing. "After hosting two live auditions of finalists here at the ballpark, we have selected Andrew Belleson as the new voice of Wrigley Field and welcome him to the Chicago Cubs family."