The Baseball Voices series, created by Chicago broadcaster Pat Hughes, pays tribute to Hall of Fame announcers in the sport. The series consists of 17 baseball-themed CDs, with 15 focusing on Ford Frick Award recipients recognized for their broadcasting excellence, popularity, and more. Among the featured legends are Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Bob Costas, and Milo Hamilton, with an episode also dedicated to Bob Uecker.
What sets these CDs apart is their in-depth exploration of the broadcasters’ life stories, not just their key calls. Despite the high quality of the series, it has been on hiatus since 2019, largely due to changes in how people consume audio content. Hughes noted that the shift away from CDs and cassettes to digital platforms like iPods and iPads has impacted the production of new episodes.
While Hughes hasn’t released a new installment in a few years, he remains open to the idea, especially if a Hall of Famer is the subject. Interestingly, fans have suggested he create an episode about himself, but Hughes prefers to stay behind the scenes. However, he would consider assisting someone else in producing such an episode.
In addition to his work on the Baseball Voices series, Hughes is known for his long-standing broadcasting career with the Chicago Cubs, spanning nearly three decades. Despite his age, he continues to call games with enthusiasm and dedication, aiming to reach the milestone of 30 years with the Cubs. Reflecting on the legendary Vin Scully, who broadcasted until age 88, Hughes remains open to the idea of continuing beyond his 30th year, embracing the unpredictable nature of the future.
As Hughes navigates the demands of a busy broadcasting schedule, he finds solace in the joy of calling games and engaging with fans. While he acknowledges the challenges of aging in a demanding profession, his passion for the Baseball Voices series and broadcasting keeps him motivated and eager to see what the future holds.