He appeared in two games with the Cubs in 1970, but was essentially a career minor leaguer when the St. Louis Cardinals purchased his contract before the 1973 season. He spent most of the season with the triple A Tulsa Oilers, however, appeared in eleven games with the Cards, in which he batted .214 with an RBI and a run scored.
After spending all of 1975 with the triple A Pawtucket Red Sox, Hughes rejoined the Cardinals for the 1976 season, however spent the entire season with the triple A Tulsa Oilers. In a three-season career, Hughes hit .209 (18-for-86) with one home run and seven RBI in 54 games, including six runs and three doubles.
He is now a Physical Education coach at Boiling Springs Rainbow Lake Middle School.