Deaf Baseball Players and Their Contributions

Using signs to communicate and playing the game is old hat to most deaf baseball fans, but it was not always this way. In fact, a deaf player’s contribution to the sport has a long and rich history. It all started with Parley Pratt who improvised the first hand signals in 1865. It was not until the advent of the modern day major leagues that the signs started to get the attention they deserve.

One of the first deaf players to grace the big leagues was William Ellsworth Hoy. Hoy, who is known for his contributions to the game as well as his infamous “Dummy” nickname, played for five different major league teams. Hoy was also the first deaf player to hit a grand slam in the American League. He was also the first deaf player to be inducted into the American Athletic Association for the Deaf’s Hall of Fame.

It is difficult to know which is the most prestigious title, but it is certain that Dummy Hoy contributed to the game by virtue of being a great hitter. His feats of strength included a 1903 pennant, the first deaf player to do so.

In addition to his bat and glove, Dummy Hoy’s most impressive contribution was his use of sign language to communicate with teammates. In addition to making the aforementioned signs a reality, he also taught his teammates how to do the same. It was not uncommon for teammates to sign on the field and off, which helped Dummy Hoy stay in the game and keep the score down.