Cubs Hire New Public Address Announcer

After receiving 2,954 applications from 48 states and Canada, the Chicago Cubs have chosen their new public address announcer, Andrew Belleson.

Belleson's hire caps a three-week search, during which fans could apply through CareerBuilder.com.

"It was a very difficult decision, as there were so many quality PA announcers who applied from across the country," said the Cubs' executive vice president, chief sales and marketing officer Wally Hayward. "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."

The Arlington Heights native began his broadcast career at age 15 when helped out with the Rockford RiverHawks on a part-time basis during summers off from high school.

Belleson attended Concordia University in River Forest, Ill, where he played baseball and helped build the sports department for the local college radio station.

The new PA announcer will get his first real test on April 1 when the Cubs open their 2011 regular season agaisnt the Pittsburgh Pirates.