Charitable Words Scholars Will Be There For Reds Night To Honor First Deaf Player

Charitable Words is an All-Star Sponsor of Dummy Hoy Night at Great American Ballpark Tuesday, April 16 at 7:10 p.m.  Charitable Words Scholars will be there, along with 10 students from St. Rita’s School for The Deaf to see the Reds take on the Phillies.

Adapted from a Hearing Speech and Deaf Center release:

Reds center fielder William “Dummy” Hoy was only 5’ 6” tall and weighed 155 pounds. But what he lacked in stature, he made up for in physical and mental strength.

As major league baseball’s first deaf player in the turn of the century, he was strong enough to throw three base runners out in one inning from center field. He was fast enough to steal over 600 bases in his career. His life-time batting average was .290. He was an inspiration to everyone who just needs to be given a chance – a chance to be treated like everyone.

Tommy Leach, a fellow ballplayer said of Hoy, “He was a real fine ballplayer. When you played with him in the outfield, you never called for a ball. You listened for him, and if he made this little squeaky sound, that meant he was going to take it.”

Hoy, who died in 1961 at 99 years old, is now in the Reds Hall of Fame and will be honored at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday, April 16th at 7:10 pm against the Philadelphia Phillies. The event is being held to Hoy and to celebrate the rich culture shared by individuals who are deaf. Special activities such as a signed version of The Star Spangled Banner will take place along with deeply discounted tickets for those in the deaf community.

A block of seats have been reserved on the Mezzanine Level where Sign Language Interpreters will be available during the game.

Ticket prices are $18 (normal price $25 per ticket) and can be purchased at the Cincinnati Reds Box Office as a walk-up, on-line www.reds.com/dummyhoy or fax (513) 765-7665 the order form downloaded off our website at www.hearingspeechdeaf.org or call HSDC (513) 221-0527 x108. Inquire about special pricing for the Deaf Community.

To become a sponsor for Dummy Hoy Night or to make a donation for Cincinnati Reds Give Back Day Honoring Dummy Hoy event please contact HSDC at (513) 221-0527,visit www.hearingspeechdeaf.org or email info@hearingspeechdeaf.org . Mail address:2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219.

 by