The Memphis Commercial Appeal Article
ATLANTA, Ga. - As a child, Dusty Hughes was influenced by what he watched on TV.
The Horn Lake native had a favorite with baseball. After all, he played the sport.
"I think growing up, especially around here, there's three teams you either liked," Hughes said. "The (Chicago) Cubs on WGN, the (St. Louis) Cardinals, just because they're close, and then the (Atlanta) Braves, because they're on TBS."
Relatives also played a key role.
"My grandpa liked the Braves," he said, "and it just kind of transitioned over, so my whole family is Braves fans."
Therefore, when the former Horn Lake High and Delta State University standout signed this past winter's free-agent contract with Atlanta, it was an understatement that many close to Hughes were overjoyed.
"We had so much interest from multiple teams and I really liked what (the Toronto Blue Jays) were offering me as far as chances and everything else, but it's really tough to turn down something you grew up idolizing," the 29-year-old left-handed pitcher said. "It gave me chills when I went to spring training and I saw the Braves uniform with my name on it."
Hughes reported to camp in Florida -- the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, no less -- in mid-February. He was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer, and two young children.
"They've got one of the nicest places down there," he said. "We were pretty excited."
But, despite seven appearances with an 3.86 earned run average and six strikeouts, Hughes will start the 2012 season in Triple-A Gwinnett (Ga.). The Braves open up International League play Thursday at Durham.
After stints with Kansas City and Minnesota, he's hopeful his past experience will help him return to the majors.
"I've got a positive outlook, as long as I can stay healthy," Hughes said. "The Braves' track record is amazing for pitchers, so it's kind of exciting to see what they can do for me."
Former Horn Lake coach Mike McCoy, currently principal at Olive Branch Middle School, fondly remembers Hughes' bulldog mentality.
"What's rewarding for me is how he went about his business," McCoy said. "His hard work and determination makes him a great role model."
