Dick Hughes, the right-handed pitcher who played a notable role in the St. Louis Cardinals’ triumphant 1967 World Series campaign against the Boston Red Sox, passed away on May 6.
He was 88 years old at the time of his death. Hughes earned the starting assignment in two contests during that memorable Fall Classic, contributing to the team’s eventual seven-game victory that secured the championship title for St. Louis.
In the 1967 World Series, Hughes took the mound as the starter for Game 2 and Game 6. Across those nine innings of work, he surrendered five runs. While the Cardinals dropped both outings in which he started, the team rallied impressively to claim Game 7 and clinch the series crown.
That championship run represented the pinnacle of Hughes’ relatively short yet impactful time in professional baseball.
During his three seasons wearing a Cardinals uniform from 1967 through 1969, Hughes compiled a solid record of 20 wins against 9 losses. He posted a 2.79 earned run average over 307 innings pitched. The hurler appeared in 68 regular-season games, earning the starting nod in 34 of them and recording eight saves along the way.
Hughes burst onto the major league scene in impressive fashion during his 1967 rookie campaign. He delivered a 16-6 record with a 2.67 ERA and racked up 161 strikeouts across 222 and one-third innings.
His performance ranked him fifth in the National League in victories, second in winning percentage, seventh in ERA, and first in fewest hits allowed per nine innings.
Following that standout debut season, Hughes received votes for the National League Most Valuable Player award, albeit on the lower end of the ballot. He also placed second in the Rookie of the Year balloting, finishing behind New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver.
The Cardinals advanced to the World Series once again in 1968 but fell short against the Detroit Tigers. Hughes made just a single appearance in that series, facing three batters during a lopsided 13-1 defeat in Game 6. That brief outing would mark the final time he stepped onto a major league mound.
After the 1968 season, Hughes continued pitching briefly in the minor leagues during 1969, making 15 appearances before deciding to bring his playing career to a close. Though his time in the big leagues was limited, his contributions during the 1967 championship season left a lasting impression on Cardinals fans and the organization alike.
Following his retirement from playing, Hughes remained connected to the Cardinals franchise for several years. He served in multiple roles within the team’s minor league system, including positions as a coach, manager, and amateur scout, continuing through 1975. Eventually, he returned to his home state of Arkansas, where he transitioned into a successful career in farming that extended until his full retirement in 2000.
In May 2017, Hughes returned to Busch Stadium in St. Louis for a special pre-game ceremony. The event honored the surviving members of the Cardinals’ 1967 World Series championship squad on the 50th anniversary of their memorable title run.
Hughes is survived by his wife Anne, along with their three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His legacy endures through his clutch performances on baseball’s biggest stage and his dedication both on and off the field.
