Hall of Fame broadcaster Pat Hughes headlines South Bend Cubs Foundation fundraiser

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A legendary voice of baseball made a stop in South Bend on Sunday night, this time not to call a game, but to give back.

Pat Hughes, the longtime radio voice of the Chicago Cubs and a National Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster, headlined “Chat with Pat” at the 1st Source Bank Performance Center. The fundraiser benefited the South Bend Cubs Foundation.

Hughes has called more than 6,000 Major League Baseball games during his career, including the Cubs’ historic Game Seven victory in the 2016 World Series. But on Sunday, he stepped away from the broadcast booth to support youth programs in the community.

Fans filled the venue for the event, which included food and drinks, with some purchasing VIP tickets for a private meet-and-greet with Hughes. Proceeds from the night support the South Bend Cubs Foundation’s mission to provide tutoring, mentorship and life-skills programming for local youth.

“There’s so many positive things about minor league baseball and big-league baseball,” Hughes said. “It’s a family thing; it’s a lifelong thing.

They call it the national pastime and for a good reason.”

The foundation focuses on expanding access and opportunity, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating in sports and educational programs.

Hughes also reflected on the unpredictability of baseball and expressed gratitude for the turnout in South Bend.

“We’re going to be good. I don’t know how good because baseball is the most unpredictable enterprise that has ever been invented, but that’s part of the fun of it,” Hughes said. “That’s part of the exhilaration and sometimes the agony. I hope we spread some goodwill here in South Bend, and it’s nice to see a good turnout.”

From calling championships to creating opportunities, Hughes’ impact reached beyond the field Sunday night. ABC57 will begin full coverage of the South Bend Cubs season in April.