|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
February and March represent the single most important booking window of the year for Pat Hughes appearances. Once the 2026 MLB season begins, the legendary Voice of the Cubs is off the table for outside events. Here is everything you need to know about how to book Pat Hughes — and why you need to act now.
For millions of Chicago Cubs fans, summer arrives not with the calendar but with the first sound of Pat Hughes's voice on the radio. Since 1996, his warm, authoritative delivery has been the soundtrack of Cubs baseball — calling the heartbreaks, the triumphs, and ultimately, the historic 2016 World Series championship that ended a 108-year drought. He is, without question, one of the most beloved sports personalities in the history of Chicago.
And right now, for a brief window between February and March 2026, he is available for your event.
Lillian Group Marketing, the Glenview, Illinois-based agency that serves as the exclusive representative for Pat Hughes appearances, is actively accepting Pat Hughes booking inquiries for the pre-season window. This is not a soft deadline. The moment the Cubs' 2026 regular season begins, his schedule is locked. Corporate events, charity galas, sports banquets, and private parties that want the Voice of the Cubs need to move now.
Pat Hughes — full name Virgil Patrick Hughes, born May 27, 1955, in Tucson, Arizona — is one of the most decorated and longest-tenured broadcasters in Major League Baseball history. A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Radio/TV Journalism, Hughes launched his MLB career in 1983 as a TV play-by-play man for the Minnesota Twins. He then spent twelve seasons alongside the incomparable Bob Uecker on the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network, earning three Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year awards in the process.
In November 1995, Hughes was selected by WGN Radio in Chicago to become the new "Voice of the Cubs," a title he has carried with distinction ever since. His partnership with the late, great Ron Santo in the broadcast booth became the legendary "Pat and Ron Show," a beloved institution that defined Cubs baseball for a generation of fans from 1996 until Santo's passing in 2010. Hughes has since partnered with Keith Moreland and Ron Coomer, continuing to bring the same meticulous preparation and genuine love of the game to every broadcast.
The numbers alone tell a remarkable story. Hughes has called more than 6,000 Major League Baseball games — a total that spans Cactus League preseason, regular season, and postseason. He has broadcast 57 Cubs postseason games, more than any other Cubs announcer. He has called eight no-hitters. He was at the microphone when Mark McGwire hit his record-breaking 62nd home run in 1998. And he has been named Illinois Sportscaster of the Year nine times.
But no call defines his legacy more than the final out of the 2016 World Series, when the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 to end the longest championship drought in American professional sports history. His words, broadcast live on WGN Radio, became instantly immortal:
"A little bouncer slowly toward Bryant. He will glove it and throw to Rizzo. It's in time! And the Chicago Cubs win the World Series! The Cubs come pouring out of the dugout, jumping up and down like a bunch of delirious 10-year-olds. The Cubs have done it! The longest drought in the history of American sports is over, and the celebration begins!" — Pat Hughes, WGN Radio, November 2, 2016 — Game 7, 2016 World Series
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, Hughes was awarded the 2023 Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame — the highest honor in baseball broadcasting, joining Cubs legends Jack Brickhouse (1983) and Harry Caray (1989) as Frick Award recipients. He was also inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Cactus League Hall of Fame. He has also authored and narrated the acclaimed Baseball Voices series, short-form books celebrating broadcasting legends including Bob Uecker, Harry Caray, Red Barber, Jack Buck, and Ron Santo.
When Pat Hughes walks into your event, he does not merely bring celebrity. He brings five decades of baseball history, a voice recognized by millions of Chicagoans, and the warm, genuine connection with fans that has defined his entire career.
Pat Hughes appearances are available for a broad range of events across the Chicago area and beyond. Whether you are planning a major corporate gathering or an intimate private celebration, his presence elevates the experience for every attendee. The following table outlines the most common event formats and what Pat Hughes can offer in each context.
| Event Type | What Pat Hughes Can Do | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Events & Conferences | Keynote address, panel moderator, emcee, meet-and-greet, Q&A session | Annual meetings, sales kickoffs, Chicago-area conferences, team-building events |
| Charity Galas & Fundraisers | Honorary host, live auction emcee, dinner speaker, autograph session | Nonprofit galas, hospital fundraisers, youth sports foundations, community organizations |
| Sports Banquets & Award Ceremonies | Awards presenter, keynote speaker, tribute host, color commentary on honorees | High school and collegiate athletic banquets, professional sports awards, Hall of Fame events |
| Private Parties & Celebrations | Personal appearance, autographs, photos, brief remarks, storytelling | Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, private Cubs fan gatherings, luxury events |
| Virtual Events | Live-streamed keynote, virtual Q&A, pre-recorded video message, virtual emcee | Remote teams, national organizations, hybrid events, online fundraisers |
| Trade Association Events | Industry conference keynote, luncheon speaker, awards banquet host | Illinois trade associations, manufacturing groups, professional associations |
It is worth emphasizing the local dimension of a Pat Hughes appearance. For any event in the Chicago, Illinois area — from the North Shore suburbs like Glenview, Evanston, and Northbrook to downtown Chicago venues — his name carries extraordinary recognition. He is not merely a sports broadcaster; he is a piece of Chicago's cultural identity.
When you decide to book Pat Hughes, the agency you choose matters as much as the talent itself. Lillian Group Marketing is not a general talent clearinghouse. We are a Glenview, Illinois-based marketing agency with a long-standing, direct relationship with Pat Hughes — one built on years of successful sports marketing and special event programs for corporations, trade associations, and nonprofit groups across the greater Chicago area.
The sports broadcaster booking Chicago market is competitive, and high-profile talent like Pat Hughes fills up quickly. Working with Lillian Group Marketing gives you a direct, professional pathway to securing his appearance without the friction of navigating multiple intermediaries.
Not every event requires the marquee presence of a Hall of Fame broadcaster — and that is precisely where Alex Cohen shines. Lillian Group Marketing is proud to also represent Alex Cohen, the backup play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs on Marquee Sports Network and one of the most exciting young voices in professional baseball.
Cohen brings an impressive résumé to every appearance. He served as the lead broadcaster for the Iowa Cubs — the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs — from 2018 through 2024, accumulating over 2,000 games of professional broadcasting experience. He has called games around the world as part of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation broadcast team, including Premier 12 tournaments and World Cup events in Taiwan, Japan, Mexico, and Colombia. In 2023, he was named Broadcaster of the Year by Ballpark Digest, a recognition of his exceptional skill and connection with fans.
For organizations seeking a Chicago Cubs speaker booking at a different price point, Alex Cohen represents outstanding value. He is an engaging, dynamic presence — equally comfortable as a keynote speaker, panel moderator, sports banquet emcee, or Q&A guest. His deep knowledge of the Cubs organization, combined with his rising profile on Marquee Sports Network, makes him a compelling choice for events that want authentic Cubs credibility without the premium associated with a Hall of Fame broadcaster.
Ideal for: Smaller corporate events, community fundraisers, youth sports banquets, college athletic events, media panels, and any occasion where a knowledgeable, personable Cubs broadcaster is the right fit.
Visit our Special Events page to learn more about booking Alex Cohen alongside or instead of Pat Hughes for your 2026 event.
The appearance fee to book Pat Hughes varies based on several factors: the type of event, its location within or outside the Chicago area, the duration of the appearance, and any specific requirements such as keynote speeches, autograph sessions, or emcee duties. Lillian Group Marketing handles all Pat Hughes booking inquiries and will provide a customized quote based on your event's specifics. Contact us at 847.682.3592 or visit our Special Events page to begin the conversation.
We strongly recommend booking Pat Hughes at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance of your event date. The Q1 window — February through March — is the critical booking period before the MLB season begins in April. Once the Cubs regular season is underway, his availability for outside appearances becomes extremely limited. If your event falls in the spring or early summer, you must act now. Contact Lillian Group Marketing immediately to check availability and secure your date.
Yes. Pat Hughes is available for a select number of private events, including milestone birthday parties, private corporate dinners, exclusive receptions, and other special gatherings. These private Pat Hughes appearances offer guests an intimate opportunity to meet and interact with the legendary Voice of the Cubs. All private event bookings are handled exclusively through Lillian Group Marketing. Given the limited number of private appearances he accepts each year, early inquiry is essential.
Yes, virtual appearances are available and can be an excellent option for organizations outside the Chicago area or for events that prefer a remote format. Pat Hughes can participate in virtual keynotes, live-streamed Q&A sessions, pre-recorded video messages, and virtual award presentations. Virtual engagements offer a cost-effective way to bring his star power to your event regardless of geography. Contact Lillian Group Marketing to discuss the specifics of a virtual engagement.
All Pat Hughes booking inquiries are handled exclusively by Lillian Group Marketing, located at 706 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 60025. You can reach the team by phone at 847.682.3592, by email at customerfirst@lilliangroupmarketing.com, or by submitting an inquiry form at our Special Events page. We respond to all special appearance inquiries within one business day.
Yes. Lillian Group Marketing also represents Alex Cohen, the backup play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs on Marquee Sports Network and the 2023 Broadcaster of the Year. Alex is an excellent option for events seeking a Cubs broadcasting personality at a different price point. He is well-suited for smaller corporate events, sports banquets, panel discussions, and emcee roles. Visit our Special Events page to learn more about booking Alex Cohen.
The 2026 MLB season begins in April. After that, Pat Hughes belongs to Cubs baseball and Cubs baseball alone. The Q1 booking window is open right now — but it will not stay open long. Whether you are planning a corporate event, a charity gala, a sports banquet, or a private party anywhere in the Chicago area or beyond, Lillian Group Marketing is ready to make it happen.
847.682.3592Lillian Group Marketing, LLC | 706 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, IL 60025 | customerfirst@lilliangroupmarketing.com
For more than two decades, Pat Hughes has been the voice that connects Chicago to its beloved Cubs. His career — spanning over 40 years, more than 6,000 MLB games, nine Illinois Sportscaster of the Year awards, and the pinnacle honor of the Ford C. Frick Award — represents a level of achievement that resonates deeply with sports fans, corporate audiences, and the broader Chicago community alike.
When you book Pat Hughes through Lillian Group Marketing, you are not simply hiring a speaker. You are bringing a piece of Chicago history to your event. And in Q1 2026, that opportunity is available. Do not let it pass.
Contact Lillian Group Marketing today. Visit our Special Events page to submit an inquiry, or call us directly at 847.682.3592. We look forward to helping you create an unforgettable event.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer
Alex Cohen Appearances | Pat Hughes Appearances
Copyright © 2026 Lillian Group Marketing, LLC | All Rights Reserved | Website Designed by True Productions
