Young fan wins coveted Cubs announcer job

Every young baseball fan's dream is to be part of the action at the ballpark. And that dream came true for a lifelong Cubs fan in Chicago. Andrew Belleson, who dared to dream, became the new voice of the team's historic ballpark.

Last February, after learning their longtime public address veteran could no longer keep up, the team announced it was auditioning hopefuls on YouTube.

Belleson admits that method of finding someone seemed a bit unorthodox.

But, he told "Early Show" co-anchor Chris Wragge, "After I thought about it, the best way, I mean, they knew they were going to get a ton of applicants."

Nearly 3,000 applicants from across the country sent in their best and wackiest clips.

But the hometown kid's pipes stood above the rest.

Wragge asked Belleson, "How many times did you do (your audition video) to make it what you felt was just perfect?"

Belleson replied, "You know, I did it probably, I would say, probably 15 times. And I taped them all and I had them on the computer and I went back and I listened to each one. And I found, after about the eighth one, that they all sounded exactly the same, so I figured, 'OK, this isn't a big deal -- just pick one and send it in."'

For Belleson, baseball and broadcasting have been in his blood since childhood. A lifelong Cubs fan, he'd practice his staccato for hours, never really believing that one day he would watch every home game from the best seat in the house.

Belleson said, "You know, when I was a kid, I was a big Harry Caray fan and that's how I got interested in sports broadcasting and the Cubs and ... I guess it was the entertainment value at the time; I was 8 or 9 years old. I said, 'Wow this guy is pretty cool,' and I loved the game of baseball anyways. And I used to sit in the living room and announce games."

In April, the 24-year-old began his rookie season as the Chicago Cubs public address announcer.

Belleson said, "You just don't think, as a kid, you're actually going to get the opportunity. So, when it came along, I really treasured it."

Wragge said, "And who has a better office than you?"

Belleson replied, "Amen. Nobody I don't think. I can't complain one bit."

Does he pinch himself when he's sitting in the announcer's seat and it's his voice?"

Belleson said, "Oh yeah, absolutely."

As his inaugural season comes to an end, Wragge said, Belleson knows there will be no post-season or pennant for his beloved Cubs. But he'll be back in the booth on Opening Day next year, still pinching himself.

Belleson said, "Sometimes, it's in the fifth inning of a game, sometimes I'll be walking in, sometimes I'll be sitting at home and the team is out of town. And it will really sink in and I just think, 'Wow, I am very, very lucky."'