William Ellsworth Hoy was born on the 23rd of May, 1862. He was born in Houcktown, Ohio. When he was about 3 years old, he became ill with meningitis. The illness caused him to become deaf.
For the first part of his life, Hoy stayed home with his family and learned to help on the farm. Hoy had pretty much only his siblings to keep him company in his small town. While at home, he communicated with gestures that only his family understood. It was like their own little form of sign language. When he was 10 years old, Hoy’s parents learned of the Ohio School for the Deaf and sent him. The school had a five year track and a seven year track for slower learners. Hoy was placed on the seven year track and required an extra three years of schooling, …show more content…
“Dummy” was not an uncommon nickname for the deaf in Hoy’s time. Those who were mute were often referred to as “dumb” and because Hoy and many other deaf people did not speak, they were given the label as well. It’s speculated that the sobriquet “Dummy” was given to Hoy at Oshkosh. Though politically incorrect in today’s society, Hoy accepted the name and even corrected people to it when they tried to call him by William. Despite the nickname that is would be viewed upon as insulting now, people often referred to Hoy as a respectable gentleman. His character was of such good faith, umpires asked him of his opinion on plays during games on more than one occasion. Hoy gave honest answers every time, even if it would cost his own team. On and off the field, he was always a good sport.
William Hoy never looked upon his deafness as a disability. He was a remarkable baseball player and a good person. Many saw Hoy as a role model. The aspects of Hoy’s life show that he is remembered for good reason.
It is odd that Hoy isn’t in the hall of fame despite many attempts and wide protests to place him there. He has both the game skills, and legacy to be honored. He deserves the respect that has been shown for him throughout the years. In being a baseball star as well as a polished man, inspiration continues to come from William Ellsworth
For the first part of his life, Hoy stayed home with his family and learned to help on the farm. Hoy had pretty much only his siblings to keep him company in his small town. While at home, he communicated with gestures that only his family understood. It was like their own little form of sign language. When he was 10 years old, Hoy’s parents learned of the Ohio School for the Deaf and sent him. The school had a five year track and a seven year track for slower learners. Hoy was placed on the seven year track and required an extra three years of schooling, …show more content…
“Dummy” was not an uncommon nickname for the deaf in Hoy’s time. Those who were mute were often referred to as “dumb” and because Hoy and many other deaf people did not speak, they were given the label as well. It’s speculated that the sobriquet “Dummy” was given to Hoy at Oshkosh. Though politically incorrect in today’s society, Hoy accepted the name and even corrected people to it when they tried to call him by William. Despite the nickname that is would be viewed upon as insulting now, people often referred to Hoy as a respectable gentleman. His character was of such good faith, umpires asked him of his opinion on plays during games on more than one occasion. Hoy gave honest answers every time, even if it would cost his own team. On and off the field, he was always a good sport.
William Hoy never looked upon his deafness as a disability. He was a remarkable baseball player and a good person. Many saw Hoy as a role model. The aspects of Hoy’s life show that he is remembered for good reason.
It is odd that Hoy isn’t in the hall of fame despite many attempts and wide protests to place him there. He has both the game skills, and legacy to be honored. He deserves the respect that has been shown for him throughout the years. In being a baseball star as well as a polished man, inspiration continues to come from William Ellsworth