Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he was a right-handed pitcher who appeared in 144 games pitched in the Major Leagues from 1941–42 and 1946–48 for the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds.

During his rookie season, on June 3, 1941, Hughes threw a one-hit, 7–0 shutout against the Chicago Cubs, with Lou Novikoff getting the only safety.

But his best season came in 1942, when he appeared in 40 games, 31 as a starting pitcher, and set a career high in wins (12) and innings pitched (253), and notched a low 3.06 earned run average.

Hughes then spent three full seasons (1943–1945) in the United States Army during World War II.

[1] Pitching for second-division National League teams that never won more than 65 games in any of his five seasons, Hughes never recorded a .500 winning percentage in the Majors.

Playing under the legendary Rogers Hornsby, Hughes did not earn a win and finished 0-2 after appearing in seven games at the age of nineteen.

Hughes missed the next three seasons serving in the military during World War II, as did many major leaguers.

In 1947, the pattern repeated for Hughes, losing his first several decisions, though he did earn a save in Philadelphia's 8-4 win over Cincinnati.

Hughes went the distance, pitching all nine innings, giving up only six hits, and holding Cardinals stars like Enos Slaughter and Marty Marion hitless.

While keeping up with his military duties, Hughes found time to play for that camp's baseball squad as well.