Ron Santo may be gone, but Chicago Cubs fans will continue to hear one half of the duo they’ve come to love on WGN Radio for the past 15 years. Pat Hughes has been extended through the 2015 season.
The 2011 season will be Hughes’ 16th with WGN Radio and the Cubs, and his 29th season of broadcasting in Major League Baseball.
“I am delighted to continue my career with WGN Radio and the Chicago Cubs,” Hughes said in a statement. “Chicago is one of the world’s greatest sports cities, Wrigley Field one of the most famous venues, and I’m just happy to be a part of it all.”
Who will be Hughes’ partner in 2011 has yet to be determined. Ron Santo, who had just completed his 21st season as the Cubs’ radio analyst and 15th with Hughes, died on Dec. 3. A replacement was not expected to be named until early next year. cubs.com.
Santo’s replacement will have a tough role to file – if not necessarily in terms of color analysis, but in terms of belovedness by the fans. The continuity of having Hughes will certainly help.