Friends of Oregon School for the Deaf (FOSD) hosted a performance of “The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy” as a fundraiser on June 19, 2012 at the Pentacle Theater.
William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy (1862-1961), deaf himself, began his baseball career in 1886 at the age of 24. Later, at the end of his rookie year with the Washington Senators Hoy led the National League in stolen bases—an astonishing 82. He set a fielding record for the Senators that still stands. Hoy also played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox, among other teams.
The play, co-directed by Cherie Ulmer and Jeff Brownson, was about Hoy’s early entry into minor league baseball. It was peppered with rowdy players, a pioneering female reporter, a seasoned umpire and Hoy’s experiences, including lots of humor and poignant conflicts. “The Signal Season of Dummy Hoy” confronts us with our misconceptions about those who are different, highlights our desire to be understood and underscores the power of pursuing our dreams.
The play was interpreted, there was a display of OSD sports accomplishments, and there was a silent auction of baseball memorabilia and other items before the play and during intermission.
A great time was had by all and we had the opportunity to recognize Founding Member Jane Mulholland!
