The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

We Ask, They Answer
Home›We Ask, They Answer›We Ask, They Answer: Q&A with Cubs announcer Pat Hughes

We Ask, They Answer: Q&A with Cubs announcer Pat Hughes

By TheRealChicagoOnline
May 4, 2010
752
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

The Cubs’ long-time radio announcer, Pat Hughes, on life in the booth, the Cubs’ appeal and the allure of Wrigley

By George Vlahos

Photo courtesy of Steve Green

Pat Hughes was born Virgil Patrick Hughes on May 27, 1955 in Tucson, Ariz., and has served as the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs on WGN radio since 1996. A graduate of San Jose University, Hughes earned the Illinois Sportscaster of the Year award in 1996, 1999, 2006 and 2007 and was also named the Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year from 1990-1992.

Hughes is best known for his call of Mark McGwire’s 62nd home run in 1998, which broke the single-season home run record. Loyal WGN listeners are no doubt familiar with Hughes’ famous on-air phrases like “This ball’s got a chaaaaance…GONE!”

In a recent interview, Hughes talked about life in the booth, the Cubs’ national popularity and the appeal of the “Friendly Confines.”

Q: What is the most difficult part of life as a broadcaster?

A: Traveling in baseball is the most misunderstood aspect of what we do. Now, for instance, tonight we are in St. Louis, and after the ballgame is over, we have to make an 11:30 p.m. flight to San Diego. The flight lasts about five hours, and then the time zone changes by two hours, so jet lag is another issue that we, as broadcasters, must face. I have a wife and two daughters, so over the course of my 15-year career with the Cubs, I feel as though I’ve missed a lot, but it’s well worth it. The constant travel is very difficult, however.

Q: What makes the Cubs so loved across the country?

A: Well, the fact that the Cubs play in such a huge market is definitely a reason as to why they are so loved. The ballpark they play in, Wrigley Field, is definitely another reason why. WGN is broadcast nationally, so it is a tremendous factor in the Cubs’ surge in popularity throughout the decades. Another reason that gets overlooked is that Midwesterners simply love their baseball, and the Cubs are one of the teams that Midwesterners outside of Illinois support.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Q: How privileged do you feel to be the play-by-play radio voice of the Cubs?

A: Very much so. I don’t take it lightly. I try to remain clear-minded. I consider my position with the Cubs as a very prestigious one and an honor as well. I try to prepare for each broadcast the same way, and I also attempt to bring a little humor into the broadcast as well.

Q: If a tourist were to ask you to direct them to the best restaurant in Chicago, what would you suggest?

A: That’s ironic, you see, because I don’t eat out that much when I am at home. When I am on the road, I eat out constantly, so when I come home, I love to eat a home-cooked meal. My wife Trish is a tremendous cook. Harry Caray’s is definitely one of my favorite places to eat when I do eat out. I spend so much time on the road that I try to eat in when I am there.

Q: How do you try to lighten the situation when the product on the field is struggling?

A: That’s your job. Present the ballgame. I tend to think that I am old-fashioned. The play-by-play is and extension of the team, the front office and the public relations department. You sign up for every game and call it as you see it. That’s the best way to present the play-by-play when things on the field are lagging.

Q: What makes Wrigley Field such a destination for Cubs fans, non-Cubs fans, tourists, and baseball enthusiasts in general?

A: Well, the neighborhood is a factor, the near north side. There is a certain energy that exists around Wrigley that is unmatched at any other park in baseball. The ivy, the smallness and intimacy of the ballpark, the close proximity to the field, the enthusiasm of the fans — it’s almost impossible not to have fun.

Q: What makes Chicago such a great town?

A: Well, it’s a great sports town. There is a diversity of people. They love to have a good time. When it’s baseball season, the mood changes and the city is even more fun. It’s simply a great town to visit. Chicago accumulates all of the great characteristics of a city and perfects them.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsCubsPat HughesWGN
Previous Article

Good Eats at Hugo’s Frog Bar: Fresh ...

Next Article

The Halsted boutiques: Don’t be afraid to ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Chicago Insider

    The Chicago Insider: Luis Torres

    January 16, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    The Chicago Insider: Hilary Ward

    January 16, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: The Colette Collection brings “on-trend” boutique styles to Lakeview

    February 2, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • My Chicago

    My Chicago: Where is your favorite spot for late-night food or drinks?

    February 18, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownHidden Gems

    Hidden gems: Pequod’s pizza, Bottle & Bottega art parties and a Wrigleyville newcomer

    April 5, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    The Chicago Insider: Nikki Borkovich on dinner at Volo and frozen custard at Scooter’s

    October 11, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Funny people: Five spots to enjoy some classic Chicago comedy

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Bring your own bottle: Save some money at these Chicago dining establishments

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    No vegetarians allowed: Examining Chicago’s love affair with steak

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.