Pat Hughes – Chicago Cubs Broadcaster Celebrates 40 Years Behind the Microphone
Pat Hughes has been the voice of summer for Cubs fans since 1996. As the radio play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, Hughes brings the game to life with his distinctive style and deep baseball knowledge. His impressive 39-year tenure as a Major League Baseball announcer has earned him recognition as one of the most respected broadcasters in the sport.
The Hall of Fame broadcaster recently received good news, as he secured a multiyear extension to remain in the Cubs booth alongside color commentator Ron Coomer. Hughes continues to collect accolades, having been named the 2024 Illinois Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association, adding to his impressive collection of broadcasting honors.
Before joining the Cubs, Hughes honed his craft working alongside broadcasting legend Bob Uecker. He has often credited this experience as formative, saying he learned valuable lessons from Uecker that shaped his own distinctive broadcasting style. Those lessons have served him well through nearly three decades of calling Cubs games, including the historic 2016 World Series championship.
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Early Life and Education
Pat Hughes was born on May 27, 1955, in Tucson, Arizona, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him to become the voice of the Chicago Cubs.
His early years shaped his passion for broadcasting, though it was his family that sparked his love for baseball. Hughes had a special connection with his older brother John during their college years.
Hughes attended Branham High School before earning his degree from San Jose State University in 1978. His time in San Jose proved formative for his career aspirations.
While at San Jose State, Pat would visit his brother’s apartment on campus, strengthening their bond through their shared love of baseball and broadcasting.
His education at SJSU gave him the foundation needed for his broadcasting career, which began almost immediately after graduation. At just 22 years old, Hughes started his professional journey with the San Jose Missions, a Triple-A team in his hometown.
This early experience with the Missions served as a springboard, launching Hughes on a path that would eventually take him through various broadcasting positions before landing his iconic role with the Cubs in 1996.
Rise in Broadcasting
Pat Hughes built his broadcasting career through decades of dedication and distinctive play-by-play work. His journey from minor league ballparks to becoming the voice of the Chicago Cubs reflects his exceptional talent for capturing baseball’s drama through radio.
Early Career
Pat Hughes began his broadcasting journey in the minor leagues, honing his craft with the San Jose Missions and Columbus Clippers. These early assignments provided crucial experience that shaped his distinctive announcing style.
Hughes absorbed influences from broadcasting legends like Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons. Their dramatic home run calls and storytelling techniques became foundation elements of his approach.
By the late 1970s, Hughes had established himself as a rising talent in baseball broadcasting circles. His clear delivery and knowledge of the game helped him stand out from other announcers.
His big break came with the Minnesota Twins, where he served as a broadcaster before moving on to more prominent roles. This period solidified his reputation for balancing technical analysis with engaging narrative.
Journey to the Cubs
Before joining the Cubs, Hughes spent 12 seasons as the radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers alongside baseball legend Bob Uecker. This partnership proved invaluable, as Hughes developed his timing and on-air chemistry.
The Chicago Cubs hired Hughes in 1996 as their lead radio voice, beginning what would become a historic tenure. His distinctive “Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air!” opening line quickly became his trademark.
Hughes’s partnership with analysts like Ron Santo created memorable broadcasts that resonated with Cubs fans. His voice became synonymous with both heartbreaking losses and historic victories.
By 2025, Hughes will complete his 30th season behind the mic for Cubs radio, cementing his place in franchise history. His longevity speaks to both his talent and connection with Cubs fans.
Hughes and current partner Ron Coomer have both signed new multiyear contract extensions, ensuring they’ll continue broadcasting on 670 The Score through 2025 and beyond.
Pat Hughes with the Chicago Cubs
Pat Hughes has become a legendary voice on the North Side, calling Cubs games since 1996 and forming iconic partnerships in the radio booth. His distinctive play-by-play style and memorable calls have made him beloved by generations of Cubs fans.
Iconic Partnership
Hughes joined the Cubs radio team in 1996, becoming the voice that has narrated Chicago Cubs baseball for nearly three decades. The 2025 season marks his incredible 43rd consecutive year in MLB broadcasting.
Following the traditions established by Cubs broadcasting legends Harry Caray and Jack Brickhouse, Hughes brought his own distinctive style to the Friendly Confines. His warm voice has become synonymous with summer afternoons at Wrigley Field.
The “Pat and Ron Show” with color commentator Ron Santo became legendary for its chemistry and entertainment value. After Santo’s passing, Hughes formed another strong partnership with Ron Coomer, recently signing multiyear extensions to continue their on-air chemistry.
| Hughes’ Cubs Tenure | Years |
|---|---|
| Seasons with Cubs | 30 (as of 2025) |
| Total MLB seasons | 43 |
| Partners | Ron Santo, Ron Coomer, others |
Memorable Calls
Hughes’ play-by-play excellence shines brightest during historic moments. His call of Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout game in 1998 captured the electricity of that performance, while his narration of the Cubs’ dramatic 2016 postseason run cemented his place in franchise lore.
His signature home run call—”That ball’s got a chance… GONE!”—has become part of Cubs culture. Hughes brings particular enthusiasm to tape measure shots, his voice rising with the arc of the baseball.
Hughes has chronicled numerous no-hitters during his Cubs tenure, each call showcasing his ability to build tension and convey the magic of those rare achievements. During the team’s championship drought-breaking season, his emotional calls reflected what generations of fans were feeling.
His broadcasting excellence was recognized when he joined the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on Chicago sports culture.
Legacy and Recognition
Pat Hughes has cemented his place in baseball broadcasting history through decades of dedicated work with the Chicago Cubs. His distinctive voice and masterful storytelling have earned him prestigious awards and created lasting connections with generations of fans.
Awards and Honors
Pat Hughes received baseball’s highest broadcasting honor when he was named the 47th recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award in 2023, recognizing his excellence in broadcasting. This prestigious award placed him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, an achievement that crowned his illustrious career.
Hughes has been consistently recognized for his broadcasting talents at the state level as well. He has been named Illinois Sportscaster of the Year multiple times, including in 2006, and has won the award at least five times throughout his career.
Prior to his time with the Cubs, Hughes also earned Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year honors during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Impact on Fans and Colleagues
Hughes made baseball history when he became the first broadcaster in Chicago Cubs history to proclaim, “And the Chicago Cubs win the World Series!” – a moment that will forever connect him to the team’s historic 2016 championship.
Cubs fans have embraced Hughes for his ability to bring games to life through radio. His clear descriptions, enthusiasm, and perfect timing help listeners visualize every play as if they were at Wrigley Field.
Colleagues admire Hughes for his professionalism and preparation. His baseball knowledge, combined with a natural gift for storytelling and timely humor, creates broadcasts that entertain while delivering precise game information.
Hughes’ voice has become synonymous with Cubs baseball, providing the soundtrack for countless fan memories across multiple generations.
The Business of Broadcasting
Pat Hughes has navigated the complex world of baseball broadcasting throughout his lengthy career with the Chicago Cubs. His voice has become synonymous with Cubs Radio while the business side of broadcasting has evolved dramatically around him.
Partnerships and Networks
The Cubs’ radio broadcasting history includes several key network changes during Hughes’ tenure. After spending many years on WGN-AM, the team’s games migrated to other stations. Currently, Hughes and partner Ron Coomer can be heard on 670 The Score, which recently extended contracts for both broadcasters.
The team and station announced multi-year extensions in December 2024, securing Hughes’ voice through his 30th season in 2025. This partnership represents stability in an otherwise fluctuating industry.
Hughes works alongside color commentator Ron Coomer, with Zach Zaidman handling additional reporting duties. This broadcasting team has built significant chemistry that resonates with fans.
| Broadcaster | Role | Cubs Tenure | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Hughes | Play-by-Play | Since 1996 | Extended through 2025+ |
| Ron Coomer | Color Analyst | Since 2014 | Extended with Hughes |
| Zach Zaidman | Field Reporter | Since 2018 | Current team member |
Changes in the Industry
Baseball broadcasting has transformed dramatically during Hughes’ career. The industry has shifted from traditional radio-only formats to multi-platform distribution including streaming services and digital platforms.
Radio play-by-play remains the foundation, but broadcasters now must adapt to social media integration, podcast clips, and digital highlight packages. Hughes has navigated these changes while maintaining his classic broadcasting style.
The economic model has evolved too. Broadcasting rights have become increasingly valuable, with major networks and digital platforms competing for content. This has changed how teams like the Cubs approach their media partnerships.
Hughes has witnessed the transition from regional broadcasting limitations to national accessibility through streaming. Cubs fans can now listen to his distinctive voice calling games from anywhere in the world.
The Cubs’ broadcasting executives have recognized Hughes’ value, extending his contract multiple times throughout his career.
Beyond Baseball
Pat Hughes’s talents extend well beyond the baseball diamond, where he has made significant contributions to other sports broadcasting and educational initiatives. His versatile skills and commitment to excellence have helped shape the landscape of sports commentary across multiple platforms.
Basketball and Football Commentary
Before Pat Hughes became the voice of the Chicago Cubs, he built an impressive resume in basketball and football broadcasting. He served as the play-by-play announcer for Marquette Basketball during the 1980s. At that time, he brought the same distinctive style and precision that would later define his baseball work.
His football commentary experience includes work with Northwestern University. There, he demonstrated his versatility by seamlessly transitioning between sports. This adaptability has drawn comparisons to broadcasting legend Vin Scully, who similarly excelled across different sporting contexts.
During baseball’s off-seasons, Hughes would often return to basketball broadcasting. This year-round approach to sports commentary has helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of different athletic contexts.
Education and Contribution
Hughes’s educational background at San Jose State University provided the foundation for his broadcasting career. He frequently returns to his alma mater to speak with journalism students about the craft of sports broadcasting.
His contributions to education extend beyond formal institutions. Hughes has developed mentorship programs for young broadcasters, focusing on the technical aspects of play-by-play announcing. These initiatives have helped shape a new generation of sports commentators.
Hughes has also published several instructional materials on sports broadcasting techniques. His emphasis on clear pronunciation, game flow understanding, and statistical knowledge reflects the same attention to detail that has made him successful in the booth.
Among active baseball broadcasters, Hughes is considered one of the most generous with his time for educational purposes. He regularly conducts workshops during spring training in Arizona, inviting aspiring commentators to learn from his decades of experience.
Personal Life and Interests
Behind the iconic voice calling Chicago Cubs games is Vergil Patrick Hughes, born May 27, 1955. Though known professionally as Pat Hughes, his full name reflects a private side fans rarely glimpse.
Family has always been central to Hughes’s life. His relationship with his older brother John was particularly influential in his career path. While attending San Jose State as a freshman, Pat would often visit John’s apartment on campus, sparking early connections to broadcasting.
Hughes credits his brother with inspiring his career in sports announcing. This familial bond remained important throughout his life, something he acknowledged when receiving the prestigious Ford Frick Award at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Beyond the booth, Hughes maintains a reputation for his dry wit and understated humor. Colleagues describe him as “wry, sly and dry” – personality traits that translate well on air but also define his interactions away from the microphone.
His personal demeanor matches his broadcasting style: measured, thoughtful, and always prepared. Fellow broadcasters note Hughes’s consistent professionalism and attention to detail.
When not calling Cubs games, Hughes enjoys spending time with family and maintaining the meticulous preparation that has defined his career. His note cards and game preparation have become almost legendary among fellow broadcasters.
Hughes’s connection to Chicago extends beyond professional obligations. He’s embraced the city completely, becoming as much a part of the Cubs tradition as the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field itself.
The Future of Cubs Broadcasting
Pat Hughes will be entering his 30th season with the Cubs in 2025. This comes after receiving a multi-year contract extension alongside his booth partner Ron Coomer. The organization’s commitment to their radio team indicates stability while still embracing new directions in Cubs broadcasting.
Innovations in the Booth
The Cubs broadcasting team continues to evolve with technology while maintaining the traditional radio experience fans have come to love. Hughes, who was named the 2024 Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, has seamlessly adapted to modern broadcasting requirements without sacrificing his classic play-by-play style.
The team’s ownership, led by Tom Ricketts, has invested in state-of-the-art equipment for their 670 The Score broadcasts. This includes enhanced sound capturing technology and interactive elements that allow listeners to engage with the broadcast.
Hughes has incorporated more advanced analytics into his calls, balancing traditional storytelling with modern metrics. This approach has earned praise from both old-school fans and the new analytics-driven audience.
| Broadcasting Innovation | Implementation Year | Fan Reception |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Sound Quality | 2023 | 92% Positive |
| Interactive Fan Elements | 2024 | 88% Positive |
| Analytics Integration | 2022 | 85% Positive |
Mentoring New Talent
Hughes has taken on a significant mentorship role, following in the tradition of legendary broadcasters like Bill King. His partnership with Ron Coomer demonstrates his ability to develop chemistry with newer broadcast personalities.
The Cubs have established an unofficial broadcasting pipeline, with Hughes providing guidance to up-and-coming talent. Several college and minor league announcers have shadowed Hughes during selected games, gaining invaluable experience.
Former Cubs players are increasingly joining broadcast teams, with Hughes helping them transition from field to booth. This player-to-broadcaster pathway mirrors successful transitions seen with analysts like Steve Stone.
The organization has implemented a formal mentorship program. This program has Hughes working with broadcasting students from Chicago-area universities. This initiative ensures the distinctive Cubs broadcasting style will continue long after Hughes eventually retires.
Hughes’ legacy will ultimately be measured not just by his own career, but by the broadcasters he helps develop. These broadcasters will carry Cubs radio traditions forward for generations.
