William Ellsworth "Dummy" Hoy was born on May 23, 1862 in Houcktown, Ohio. Despite being deaf from a young age, Hoy never let his disability hold him back. He attended the Ohio School for the Deaf where he learned sign language and lip reading.
After completing his education, Hoy opened a successful shoe repair business in his hometown. However, baseball was always his true passion. In 1886, Hoy signed his first professional baseball contract with the Washington Nationals of the National League. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented outfielder with a strong throwing arm and incredible speed on the basepaths.
Over the course of his 15-season career, Hoy recorded an impressive 2,044 hits while maintaining a .288 batting average. He was known for his exceptional fielding skills and was a key player for several teams including the Washington Senators, the Louisville Colonels, and the Chicago White Sox. Hoy's contributions to the sport of baseball were truly remarkable, and he quickly became a fan favorite wherever he played.
One of Hoy's most lasting contributions to the game was his role in the development of hand signals for umpires. Hoy's deafness made it difficult for him to hear the umpire's calls, so he suggested that umpires use hand signals to indicate safe and out calls. This innovation revolutionized the way baseball games were officiated and paved the way for inclusion of deaf players in the sport.
Off the field, Hoy was a devoted family man. He married Anna Maria Hoy and together they had six children. Despite the challenges he faced as a deaf athlete in a hearing world, Hoy's determination and perseverance inspired many both on and off the baseball diamond.
After retiring from baseball, Hoy remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young players. He continued to advocate for the rights of deaf individuals and worked to promote deaf education and equality. His legacy lives on in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere and his impact on the game is still felt to this day.
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