About Ben

Ben was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1973.  He was the first child for his parents (Nancy Pullano Hughes and David Hughes) and became known as ‘Benjie’ even before he arrived.  Benjie was such a loving, tender little boy and was the delight of his entire extended family.  Benjie attended Palo Alto Preschool and Sunset Elementary School in Glendale and with his bright red hair and never ending smile, he was always recognized and remembered.  When it was time for high school Benjie relocated to Rocky Hill, Connecticut where he became ‘Ben’.  Once again, his smile and happy attitude helped Ben make friends in a small  community.  At Rocky Hill High School, he became involved in golf, drama, chess and became the basketball manager, all while working at the local grocery store.  When the RHHS basketball team won the championship Ben was more excited than any other member of the team!

Ben’s true personality began to develop when he returned to Arizona after high school.  It was his home and he felt a strong allegiance, especially when the Arizona Diamondbacks came to be.  Ben purchased season tickets and attended every home game he could.  He had a phenomenal memory for team and player stats.  Ben loved to show his quirky sense of humor and held up signs during the games to excite players and fans. He was once again a cheerleader!

When Mike Myers joined the Diamondbacks, Ben decided it would be humorous to wear a mask from the movie ‘Halloween’ whenever Myers was on the mound.  As Ben stood in the stands with his mask on, the Fox Sports Arizona cameras picked him up and a star was born!  He loved the reaction from the fans, players and especially the kids.  The kids just knew him as ‘the man with the mask’ and wanted pictures taken with him and Ben was always happy to oblige.  Ben’s biggest dream came true in 2001 when the Diamondbacks won the World Series.   

Sadly, Ben became weak and tired in May 2010 and a biopsy in June identified the terrible news of a brain tumor.  Ben started chemotherapy and then radiation treatments five days a week.  Through it all he remained his happy and smiling self even though his smile was now a bit crooked from the effects of the tumor.  Ben attended ‘Gonzo Night’ at Chase Field for the last time August 7, 2010.  In spite of all his efforts and his ‘strong as bull’ will to live, Ben lost his battle on Thanksgiving Day 2010.  The loss felt by Ben’s passing resonates every day throughout his family and the friends he left behind.  The smiles he left at the ballpark have to be passed on and the excitement he felt there needs to be shared with others.  This is the mission of the Ben Hughes Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization.  Please remember Ben and help us help others in his name.