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The William Hoy Story

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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 sport—baseball. When the local deaf team said he was too small to play, he didn’t let that deter him; he only practiced harder. As an adult, his skill didn’t go unnoticed and soon he was signed, to play professionally. Being deaf made it hard for him to understand the umpires’ 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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