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The William Hoy Story


The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game
By Nancy Churnin
Illustrated by Jez Tuya
Albert Whitman & Company, 2016. Biography.

Losing his hearing at a young age due to meningitis did not stop William from playing his favorite sportā€”baseball. When the local deaf team said he was too small to play, he didnā€™t let that deter him; he only practiced harder. As an adult, his skill didnā€™t go unnoticed and soon he was signed, to play professionally. Being deaf made it hard for him to understand the umpiresā€™ calls. After a disastrous misunderstanding, he worked with the umpire to come up with hand signals, which influenced the way the game was umped from there on out.

A great picture book to introduce children to a little known player who overcame obstacles from both the hearing and deaf world to pursue his dream, showing that with determination and grit goals can be achieved.

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