The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game

by Nancy Churnin, Jez Tuya (Illustrator)

Winner - 2017 Storytelling World Resource Award Honor BookFinalist - 2017 North Texas Book Festival Best Children's Books 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! 
The William Hoy Story is also on several book lists:2016 New York Public Library Best Books for Kids2017 Texas 2x2 Reading List2017 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List2017 Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College2018 Illinois Monarch Award Master List

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Sports, Childrens, Baseball, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Barb Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice read aloud of how baseball incorporated American sign language for calls based on the deaf and mute baseball player William Hoy who came up with the idea after a bad experience. Good for discussions with children of any age. Hoy persevered in spite of many obstacles and was obviously a problem solver not one to feel sorry for himself. The illustrations add to the text and the author's notes and timeline are helpful for filling in gaps.

[Bill Bickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for elementary school readers – especially with baseball season coming up! – this is the true story of how William Hoy, a deaf young man in the late 1800s, used talent and determination to become one of Major League Baseball's star players.

What makes the story more interesting, in my opinion, is that even before Hoy had to deal with fellow ballplayers and others teasing him because of his deafness, and telling him he wouldn't be able to succeed, he had other obstacles to overcome: his first rejection came because he was too short, and too slow, and didn't have a strong enough throwing arm!

The book ends with a list of his achievements playing for eight different teams over a 15-year career.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been doing a reading challenge and one of the prompts was Labor Day and Google said this book counted! It was really cool getting to learn about William Hoy and how he changed the game of baseball. How cool to still be using the hand signs he developed with umpires so he could play the game!

[Juliana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of the first deaf professional baseball player. William Hoy changed the game of baseball by teaching the umpires and his teammates signs which would help him and others in the field follow the game. Even the fans who sat far from the infield learned the signs and enjoyed the game much more because of it.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a sports person. I don't care about baseball. I am not interested in baseball. I do not understand baseball. I still thought this was a sweet and engaging book.

[Andrea Jeter]

Text-to-world connection


This was a great book to read. This book is a great encouragement for those with disabilities. Just because you can’t see, hear , or even walk does not be you can not prosper in your life. Starting out Williams was very confident and content about playing baseball. His mom always cheered him on but his dad not so much. His dad did not believe he could make it. In the world we live in there are so many people with different disabilities and they are stuck in the mindset that they are disabled and not capable of hardly anything because people have shelter them or just never spoke any light on their situation. Even though Williams dad didn’t believe in him he still practice every day until he got better. Williams was knocked back. He tried out for his school team but they did not believe in him so he was offered less money but he did not take that. All alone he knew he had the abilities to be great. That’s just what he aimed for and that is what he became. He was a star. Despite his disabilities and even with his dad not believing in him he still became a star. Not matter what disabilities, color, size we can all be great. This story had a great impact on me. If he can do it anybody can. No matter who does not believe in you . Always believe and push your self to be great !!!

[Stephanie Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know a deaf major league baseball player taught the umpires the sign language signs they use for signalling to players strikes, balls, and outs? I didn't know the story either until I read this book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is required for Dr. Sykes’ READ3307 course at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The William Hoy Story, written by Nancy Churnin is about a deaf player that changed the game of baseball forever. This book is considered to be a biography nonfiction picture book. There is one main character in this book, William Hoy. The book tells the journey of William Hoy’s baseball career and discusses his highs and lows. Churnin makes sure to point out all of the challenges Hoy had to overcome to become the best player he could be, this pushed Hoy emotionally and allowed him to develop a stronger self-esteem. Hoy’s character changes from a timid boy to a confident man who found ways to work with his disabilities. When Hoy was young he allowed people to walk all over him and underestimate his abilities, but by the end of the book he is the complete opposite and is able to communicate with others better increasing his social skills. Physically, throughout the book, Hoy got taller, stronger, and faster. The setting changes throughout the book, it starts at Hoy’s childhood home and transitions to the baseball field and stays there for the rest of the story. The time period this book takes place is in the late 1800s and the early 1900s. The theme of this book is overcoming the odds, Hoy knew that everyone did not believe in him and that it was going to be harder for him to be successful than it would be for anyone else. The point of view that Churnin wrote in is third person omniscient because the story is told by a narrator who knows everything in the story and can describe each character’s thoughts and behaviors. The style of the book is unique; the text is spread out across the page to help the book flow. The author will describe how Hoy feels when certain events occur. The presentation of this book is neat, the book is in color and on the cover, it shows Hoy diving into home plate and the umpire signed he was safe. Since this book talks about a deaf baseball player it draws interest from the deaf community. It creates more awareness for those who are deaf and helps promote the importance of sign language. The publisher recommends this book for children aged eight to ten years old. Students will enjoy this book and be able to connect what they already know about baseball to things they learn in the book.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game is a children's picture book written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Jez Tuya. It centers on William Hoy, a talented, hard-playing major league baseball player who had a profound effect on the manner in which the game is played.

William Ellsworth "Dummy" Hoy was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) who played for several teams from 1888 to 1902, most notably the Cincinnati Reds and two Washington, D.C. franchises. Hoy is the most accomplished deaf player in MLB history, and is credited by some sources with causing the establishment of signals for safe and out calls.

Churnin's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Churnin tells Hoy's story in sprightly, descriptive language that reaches to the heart of his courage and ingenuity. Backmatter includes biographical information, timeline, and acknowledgements. Tuya's bright cartoons give a solid sense of the period, as well as Hoy's pride, satisfaction and some hurtful moments on his way to becoming "King of the Center Field".

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. William Hoy became a major-league baseball player in the 1880s, despite being left deaf from a childhood bout with meningitis. Though an early manager tried to take advantage of him, and teammates would hide their mouths so Hoy couldn't read their lips, Hoy taught his teammates American Sign Language – symbols that Hoy eventually got umpires to use, too, and possibly helped pave the way for officiating gestures still in use.

All in all, The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game is a moving tribute to a true hero.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written, illustrated and informative book about William Hoy and his journey through life to become a baseball player as he dreamed. This juvenile biography would be great for young school students! This book would serve as a great book for young school students due to the way the book informs the students about the life of William Hoy; through a factually based story. I appreciated the way the illustrations and the biography portrayed William cohesively. I also appreciated how additional information about William was contained in the back, including more in-depth facts and a timeline of his life.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It never ceases to amaze me how many interesting stories come out of the world of baseball. This is yet another one about a deaf baseball player in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Perhaps the most interesting tidbit about him is that, in 1902, he got a walk off a deaf pitcher. It was the first time in major league history that two deaf players faced one another in a game. After reading this book, I was wondering if there were other deaf players in subsequent years and was surprised to discover that there have been a few including a former Detroit Tiger, Curtis Pride! Who knew?!

[Gary Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is yet another excellent nonfiction picture book about one of baseball's lesser-known figures. William Hoy was a deaf major-league player from the turn of the last century who was known for his strong, accurate outfield throws and his prowess in stealing bases.

With bright colors and easy-to-discern facial expressions, The William Hoy Story effectively conveys a range of emotions, as well as important messages about perseverance and physical differences.

[Sunnyvale Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Hoy loved baseball. He was a great hitter and pitcher who you may never have heard of but he made a very important contribution to the game of baseball. William played major league baseball in the 1880's . He faced challenges because he was deaf but he never let adversity stop him. It is because of William Hoy that hand signals to indicate strike, safe, out and other plays were introduced to the sport.

[Tracy Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being baseball fan, this is a piece of baseball history that I was unaware of. William Hoy, the only deaf child in his family, loves, loves, loves baseball. He is very good at baseball and is discovered, eventually making it to the major leaves. Upon joining the major leagues, he discovers challenges unique to a deaf individual. He is instrumental in the beginning of umpire signals, and signals about plays in sports.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great depiction of someone with a disability changing that into a positive. Churnin does a nice job of talking about feelings, conflict, and solving problems. Segment at the end provides factual information to tie up the story.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Well organized. Written in straightforward style. Includes details which make MC real and sympathetic to reader. Describes prejudices and struggles for members of the deaf community. Needed spotlight on unsung historical figure and his accomplishments.

[Mae East · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully inspirational picture book. A great story of not succumbing to the harshness of the world around you but instead changing the world and hearts of others and leaving both better because of it. Loved it.

[Wendy]

A great picture book biography about William Hoy, a baseball player who was deaf. He worked with umpires to make signs before hand signals became official.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Hoy is a man worth knowing about. Plenty of details and events in here for all kinds of kids to relate to. Well written and well illustrated.

[Tenille Shade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can think of a couple of my boys who would love this picture book. Dummy is such a cruel name. William's family was my favorite.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and factual picture book biography about William Hoy, a deaf young man in the late 1800s, used talent and determination to become one of Major League Baseball's star players.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learn so much from picture books! And it has been added to the reading list for my We Need Diverse Books seminar this summer.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Hoy was the most successful Deaf baseball player in the states. The illustrations are adorable and his story is great.

[Lori Gravley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, set in Ohio, tells an untold tale of a deaf man who changes America's game. Inspiring.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting story about a little known baseball player named William Hoy. Has a great message about perseverance and resilience.

[Patty Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story about a deaf young man who becomes a Major League Baseball player

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about reading so many books with my girls is that I often learn about people I would otherwise never know. When researching new picture books about baseball, I came across The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game. I had never heard of William Hoy but was definitely intrigued by the title of this book, and fortunately, I requested it from our library just before it closed in March.
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Born hearing in 1862, William lost his hearing when he was small due to illness. Growing up, William loved baseball, and even though he didn't make his college team, he continued to work hard and play. His hard work played off, as he was eventually asked to join a minor league baseball team. He struggled, however, with following the calls of the game, as he was often too far away from players, coaches, and umpires to read their lips.
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Never one to give up, William came up with a solution. He'd work with the umpires to come up with a system of hand signals for strike and ball and taught them American Sign Language symbols for safe and out. But he didn't stop there! During his time in the minor and major leagues, he also taught his teammates symbols so that they could communicate about pitches and plays without the other teams hearing them. His accomplishments in baseball are incredible in and of themselves, but his accomplishments and contributions to the community are just as admirable.
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Now, William Hoy's story is for sure fascinating. But, what struck me even more was that aside from a few Helen Keller biographies, I can't remember any other picture books I've ever read about anyone with hearing impairment. We certainly don't own any others in our home library. While I've always made great efforts to make sure that the books on our shelves represent the diversity of our nation and world, I'm realizing I need to do a better job finding books that depict people with various disabilities.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family has recently become friends with a man who is deaf and who is coincidentally passionate about baseball. Our new friend just returned from watching David Ortiz (Big Papi) get inducted into the baseball hall of fame last weekend. So it felt incredibly coincidental that this book which featured a baseball player who is deaf would fall in my lap.
This book is the true story of William Hoy, a young man who was deaf in the late 1800's became one of Major League Baseball's star players.
Hoy overcome more than his deafness. He was told by others that he'd never succeed at baseball because he was too slow, too short and he couldn't throw well enough.
Hoy changed the game of baseball, teaching the umpires some American Sign Language for things like "safe" and "out" and "strike" and "ball." Previous to this time, there were no physical signals for these calls. These signs are still used today. The fans benefitted from the signs as well. There were no speakers or big screens. People in the back of the bleachers couldn't hear the calls.
The back of the book features an additional biography and a timeline of his many accomplishments. He played for 8 teams in 15 years. He lived to be 99.
The cartoon pictures in this book are too cute. Great story and great artwork!
Definitely getting a copy for my classroom!

[Miss Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game by Nancy Churnin is a picture book biography for ages 6-10. It's available as an e-book on the Kindle app. It was the 2020 winner of the Northern Daw Lights Award in sports and the 2017 Storytelling World Resource Award Honor Book. The book tells the story of how William Ellsworth Hoy went from a boy who didn't get a spot of the local deaf baseball team all the way to the major leagues, becoming one the best and most popular players of his time. As a Deaf baseball player, he had many challenged to overcome, including the fact that he couldn't hear the umpires' calls. The hand signals Hoy suggested from ASL eventually became the signs the umpires use today!
I gave this incredible story five starts because it is full of grit and grace and ends on an inspiriting note, proving that we all benefit when we play together. William is a true hero that all kids will love to root for. Jez Tuya's semi-realistic illustrations keep the story moving and capture the heart of the game of baseball. Using this story in the classroom would be easy, as Nancy Churnin provides a timeline in the back of the book, a free teachers guide, and primary sources from her research about William Hoy. She also encourages students to join her in a letter writing campaign to get William Hoy inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.