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Deaf Players in Major League Baseball
The first deaf baseball player joined the pro ranks in 1883. By 1901, four played in the major leagues, most notably outfielder William "Dummy" Hoy and pitcher Luther "Dummy" Taylor. Along the way, deaf players developed a distinctive approach, bringing visual acuity and sign language to the sport. They crossed paths with other pioneers, including Moses Fleetwood Walker and Jackie Robinson. This book recounts their great moments in the game, from the first all-deaf barnstorming team to the only meeting of a deaf batter and a deaf pitcher in a major league game. The true story--often dismissed as legend--of Hoy, together with umpire "Silk" O'Loughlin, bringing hand signals to baseball is told.
The William Hoy Story
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2016 2017 Storytelling World Resource Award Honor Book 2017 Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College "[Churnin] tells William's story patiently and clearly, with a wonderfully matter-of-fact tone about the ways a deaf person navigates life."--New York Times Book Review "A rewarding read-aloud choice for baseball fans."--Booklist "A moving tribute to a hero."--Kirkus Reviews William Hoy's love for baseball changed the sport forever. All William Ellsworth Hoy wanted to do was play baseball. After losing out on a spot on the local deaf team, William practiced even harder―eventually earning a position on a professional team. But his struggle was far from over. In addition to the prejudice Hoy faced, he could not hear the umpires' calls. One day he asked the umpire to use hand signals: strike, ball, out. That day he not only got on base but also changed the way the game was played forever. William "Dummy" Hoy became one of the greatest and most beloved players of his time.
I See the Crowd Roar
Suppose that you could not hear or you could not speak, and that you were much smaller than most people. Would you have the courage and persistence to succeed in reaching your dream to play Major League Baseball? Baseball great William "Dummy" Hoy did, and he became the fi rst deaf player to have an extended career in the major leagues. Because of his deafness, he was instrumental in creating hand signals between coaches and players that are still used in baseball today. William dedicated most of his life to developing and encouraging young baseball players, especially those with physical challenges who were playing on community teams. He grew up playing street baseball outside his house with his friends and local amateur teams. I See the Crowd Roar is the inspiring story of William's tenacity and perseverance, and of how he overcame his hearing disability to realize his dream of being a Major League Baseball player. His tenacity and work ethic also helped him set Major League records, stealing 82 bases as a rookie--a record that stood for 97 years--and throwing out three base runners at home plate in a single game--a record that still stands nearly 125 years later. Most of all, William Hoy is an inspiration to all of us who must overcome life's challenges. He is also a man of character and a great role model for today's youth
Silent Star
William Hoy loved baseball. Growing up in the 1860s and 70s, he dreamed of one day playing in the major leagues. While this was a far-off fantasy for many boys, fulfilling this dream was even more of a long shot for William, who was deaf. Striving to find his place in a hearing world, Hoy became a shoemaker. He took pride in his work, but baseball was still his real love. When an amateur team coach saw him playing behind the shoemaker?s shop, Hoy dazzled the coach with his hard-hitting skills. Moving from amateur clubs to the minor leagues and eventually to the majors, Hoy proved himself again and again?overcoming obstacles and becoming a star bothon and off the baseball diamond. Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy is a tribute to one of the most inspirational figures in baseball history. A talented player with a standout record, Hoy is a shining example that success in life should not be measured by differences but by drive and determination.
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