Silent Star

Review
By Rhapsody in Books

This book tells the amazing story of William Hoy (1862-1961), nicknamed “Dummy,” who lost his hearing at age three after a bout of meningitis. Nevertheless, Hoy went on not only to become a major league baseball star, but still ranks today in the top twenty-five in a number of all-time career statistics. One (of many) touching moments in the story occurs in 1902, when Hoy, batting for the Cincinnati Reds, went up against the deaf pitcher of the New York Giants, Luther Taylor. Illustrator Adam Gustavson does a fine job. He spent months researching baseball uniforms, rules, and stadiums for this assignment, and it shows in the many period elements in the backgrounds of his pictures. I also was impressed by the way he skillfully employs perspective in his lush oils, This is an excellent book. It is interesting, informative, and inspirational.

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