Jeremiah Paprocki makes history as Cubs' first Black PA announcer |
CHICAGO — Monday's game at Wrigley Field between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals served as the debut of Jeremiah Paprocki, the Cubs' new public address announcer. Paprocki is a 21-year-old senior at the University of Illinois-Chicago, and he is making history as the franchise's first-ever Black PA announcer.
Previous Cubs PA announcer Andrew Belleson departed the club prior to the start of the 2021 season in order to pursue a broadcasting career, leading to a job search that culminated in Paprocki being hired. A native Chicagoan, Paprocki is a longtime Cubs fan whose mother, Barbara, worked as a Wrigley Field parking attendant in the 1990s. Paprocki was inspired to become a PA announcer by attending Chicago Bulls games at the United Center and hearing PA announcer Tommy Edwards announce the starting lineups. Now, Paprocki is making history as the first Black PA announcer in Cubs history. Serving as "the voice of Wrigley field" at just 21 years of age is quite the feat, and it means that Paprocki's sonorous voice will likely echo throughout the Friendly Confines for many years to come. I'm am truly honored and looking forward to getting started!
