William Ellsworth "Dummy" Hoy, born on May 23, 1862, in Houcktown, Ohio, was a deaf baseball player who overcame significant challenges to excel in Major League Baseball. Hoy lost his hearing due to meningitis at the age of three, which led him to attend the Ohio School for the Deaf, where he learned to communicate using sign language. Despite the obstacles he faced, Hoy's determination and skill on the baseball field earned him a place in the annals of the sport's history.

Hoy began his professional baseball career in 1886 with the Oshkosh club of the Northwestern League. His performance caught the attention of major league scouts, and he made his major league debut with the Washington Nationals of the National League in 1888. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 160 pounds, Hoy was known for his speed and agility, which made him an exceptional center fielder and base runner.

Throughout his career, Hoy played for several teams, including the Buffalo Bisons, St. Louis Browns, Cincinnati Reds, Louisville Colonels, and Chicago White Sox. His tenure with the Cincinnati Reds was particularly noteworthy, as he spent a significant portion of his career with the team. Hoy's ability to steal bases was remarkable; he consistently ranked among the league leaders in stolen bases, with a career total of 596.

Hoy's defensive skills were equally impressive. He was known for his strong throwing arm and his ability to cover vast areas of the outfield. His understanding of the game and ability to anticipate plays made him a valuable asset to his teams. Hoy's career fielding percentage of .931 was a testament to his defensive prowess during an era when fielding equipment and conditions were not as advanced as they are today.

One of Hoy's most enduring legacies is his influence on the use of hand signals in baseball. Due to his deafness, Hoy relied on hand signals to communicate with his teammates and umpires. It is widely believed that his need for visual cues contributed to the development and adoption of hand signals for balls and strikes, which are still used in the game today.

Hoy's career statistics reflect his abilities and contributions to the sport. Over 1,797 games, he amassed 2,048 hits, 1,004 runs, and 725 runs batted in, with a batting average of .288. His on-base percentage of .386 highlights his skill in getting on base and creating scoring opportunities for his team.

After retiring from professional baseball in 1902, Hoy returned to Ohio, where he operated a dairy farm and remained active in the deaf community. He was inducted into the American Athletic Association of the Deaf Hall of Fame in 1951, recognizing his achievements and influence as a deaf athlete.

Hoy passed away on December 15, 1961, at the age of 99.

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