Cincinnati event to honor deaf baseball pioneer ‘Dummy’ Hoy

Cincinnati will celebrate the legacy of a deaf baseball pioneer whose influence still shapes the game more than a century later with “Dummy” Hoy Day on May 23 at The Banks.

The free, family-friendly event outside Great American Ball Park will honor William “Dummy” Hoy, a former Cincinnati Reds outfielder who played 14 professional seasons in the late 1800s and established himself as one of baseball’s top leadoff hitters. Hoy played for the Reds from 1894-97 and again in 1902, and later earned induction into the Reds Hall of Fame.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Hoy is widely credited with helping inspire the hand signals still used throughout baseball today for balls, strikes, safe and out calls. Organizers say communication methods used to accommodate deaf players and spectators during Hoy’s era helped shape the visual signaling system now central to the sport.

Activities will take place from 5-7 p.m. ahead of the Reds’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“This celebration is not only about honoring history, but also about increasing awareness, accessibility, and representation for the Deaf community,” the Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit, said in a statement.

Carrying forward Hoy’s legacy

FLEXDEF and Game Day Communications are presenting the event, with Deafinitely For All Entertainment leading programming. The deaf-founded production company focuses on empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing talent through film and media.

Several local advocacy and service organizations, including HSDC and St. Rita School for the Deaf, plan to participate in the celebration. Organizers will also launch the “Sign for Hoy” campaign supporting Hoy’s candidacy for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. If inducted, Hoy would become the first deaf player honored in Cooperstown.

Attendees will be able to sign the petition during the event, which will also feature interactive storytelling centered on Hoy’s career, mascot appearances, photo opportunities, complimentary birthday cookies and American Sign Language, or ASL, integration throughout the evening. HSDC and St. Rita School for the Deaf will host information booths and promote community programming, including an upcoming “Deaf Day at the Reds” game in August.

Ian Martin, HSDC’s development and marketing manager, highlighted the historical context behind Hoy’s nickname. During the 19th century, the term “dumb” commonly meant “silent” and did not carry the same derogatory meaning it does today. According to organizers, Hoy embraced the nickname “Dummy” and preferred it over William.

Former Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman is expected to attend and discuss Hoy’s place in baseball history. Deafinitely For All representatives David Keinath and Brenda Linkous will participate as well.

“We are honored to join … in celebrating the legacy of William ‘Dummy’ Hoy, a trailblazer whose impact on baseball and the Deaf community continues to be felt today,” HSDC said.