Dummy Hoy

Outfield
  • Card series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Cincinnati
  • Team: Reds (NL)
  • League: National League

William Ellsworth Hoy (1862-1961) was a renowned outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds & other clubs over a 15 year career. Hoy was rendered deaf by a childhood illness. He was not the 1st deaf player in the majors, but he was the most accomplished, using his speed and small stature (5’4”) to generate walks and steals. Hoy retired in 1902 holding the career record for outfield chances.

  • Hoy’s record three outfield assists to the plate in one game were all to his catcher Connie Mack
  • Teamed with player-manager Charles Comiskey in the final season of the American Association
  • At his death in 1961 he was the longest lived major league player at 99 years of age

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