The Silent Natural (2019) - full transcript

That was
Bobby Lewis

with "Tossin' and Turnin'"
hitting number one for the

second week in a row.

And now here's a little
something for the Bronx Bombers.

Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen,

and welcome to Crosley Field for
game three

of the 1961 World Series between
the

American League champions,

the New York Yankees,

and the National League
champions, YOURRR Cincinnati

Reds!



Cincinnati, the very
cradle of

professional baseball since 1868
and has been a

baseball hotbed ever since.

And no fans anywhere are more
enthusiastic than

these now converging on Crosley
Field.

They're announcing the teams.

Mickey Mantle, wearing number 7,
suffering from a hip wound, will

make his first appearance in
this series.

It's Mick.

A courageous performer.

Batting in fourth place and

playing right field,
wearing number 9,

It's Maris.
Announcer: the holder of the

single season home run record,
Roger Maris.



And there go the Reds, and the
fight for the series lead is on.

I'm afraid the fever has
left young William deaf.

Doc, there has to be
something you can do.

I'm sorry.

It's gonna be okay.

It's gonna be okay.

Why, Rebecca, it's
mighty good to see you.

Thank you, Mabel.
Ruth, it's nice to see you as well.

We have to get
together soon.

I look forward to
that.

You best stop makin'
fun of my brother.

Whatcha gonna do?

You keep it up and
you'll see.

Boys! William!

Boys!
Knock it off right now.

What are you doin'?

They started it, Pa.

I don't care who
started it.

You know fighting is never the
answer.

But Pa!

There's no "But Pa."

You know what, everybody get in
the

wagon right now.
Let's go.

- Rebecca, dear, may
- I

suggest you leave

the young deaf and dumb boy on
the farm.

Excuse me?

Well, it's just
that...

No, Mabel, you
don't need to explain.

We... we don't
need a circus in town.

You boys be careful
with

your brother.

Ah, Ma, Will can hold
his own.

You saw him.

You hold your
tongue, boy.

Yes, ma'am.
C'mon, guys, leave

him alone.

Will, no.
You cannot do that.

Do you understand?

You boys should grow
up.

What do you know
about growin' up?

I heard you, Frank.
That's no

way to talk to your sister.

She started it.
C'mon, let's go do something.

All right.
All right.

Go ahead.

Go have fun, but stay out of
trouble, all right?

- Yes, sir.
- All right?

They're boys, Ma.

My goodness.

I know, but I worry
so about Will.

You gotta let him be
a boy.

You
can't keep him on the farm

forever, honey. Come
on.

Well, what are we
gonna do?

We take him into town and
everybody laughs at him.

Ah.

They laugh at all
of us.

You don't mind those
people.

That's just them being ignorant.

What about them
fighting with

the other boys?

You know, I'll sit 'em
down,

I'll remind 'em that fighting is
never the answer.

Okay? Come on.

Well, what about
his schooling?

You know, how is he ever going
to get

an education if the school
doesn't even want him to attend?

Well, why don't we go
check out

that school in Columbus that the
doc told us about?

He'll be with... he'll be with
other kids just like him.

But it's so far.

Well, we'll go look
at it.

What do
you say?

Come on, now.

You're such a blessing, you know
that?

Ooh, my goodness, yes, you are.

Good job.

Get back
to work.

You're
up to bat.

Come
on, let's go!

What?
What is it?

Stop.
Everyone, come in here.

I'd like
to play baseball.

You
want to play baseball?

Yes.

You're
too small.

And too skinny.

I want to
play.

Okay.
Let's see what you got.

You bat
first.

Nope.
Move back.

There.

Put
your hands closer together

and spread your feet apart.

Back a
little more.

You
have to swing at the ball.

Three strikes, you're
out, kid.

Let's see if you can
catch a ball.

Take the field.

Yes,
right there.

He is going to hit the ball to
you.

You'll
never make it.

Good job.
Be careful.

It's time to
come in.

Give it to me.

I've
been watching you.

You've
been watching me?

Yes.
For months.

Why?

You
want to play baseball, right?

That's
right.

You
can't.

You're
too small.

You
already told me that.

You're
going to

get a lot of that.
People will tease you.

You need to be better
than everyone.

It doesn't matter if you are
small or deaf.

The great thing about
us being deaf

is that we don't have to hear
what they say.

You can stay
completely focused.

Let me show you how I
practice throwing strikes.

When
you can hit that

square consistently, that's when
you know you're good.

Watch.

Better
than

anyone.
Understand?

I think
you're ready.

The team is going to
be barnstorming across Ohio

and the Midwest.

We need one more
player.

What do you say? h

We're called the Ohio
Independents.

Come on, run!
Let's go!

Let's go!
Run!

Safe!

Good game.

I
taught you well.

We just beat a very good team.

You deaf boys
play pretty good.

White boys usually don't
normally shake our hands.

Hearing boys usually
don't tell us we

play pretty good, so I guess
that makes us equal.

Yes, I guess it
does.

1 John 4:7,8 tells us,
"Beloved, let

us love one another.

For love is of God,
and everyone that loveth is born

of God."

Life is about discovering the
love that God has

for you.

It is about responding to his
love.

It's about loving him in return.

And it is about loving people.

It's as simple as that.
Receive God's love.

Enjoy God's love. Love God.
Love people.

The rest is in the details.

Reasons to come in contact with
people,

every day, so that we may love
them.

And every day is an opportunity
to

love God and love people,

whether they love us back or
not.

If they love you, love them.

If they do not love you,
love them.

Isn't
that the deaf and dumb boy?

I had
heard he came back.

If they are good to
you, love them.

I heard no one wanted him.

If they are bad to
you, love them.

If they hurt you, love them.

If they persecute you, love
them.

If they kill you, love them.

Beloved, let us love one
another.

Amen.

What a
friend we

have in Jesus...

Lord, we thank you
for this food

that we're about to receive.

And also thank you for
William graduating school,

and for all the blessings
you bestowed on the Hoy family.

- Everybody, say amen.
- Amen.

Let's eat.

I talked to Mr.
Beagle today and he was

looking for a helping hand.

Well, fall's
coming.

I'm sure he'll be busy.

Yep.

John, sit up straight.

Yeah, he wanted to ask
if we didn't mind if William

can work for him since he
learned shoemaking in school.

What did you tell
him?

Well, I told him I'd
talk to you first.

Well, I don't think
it's a Untitled

Why not?

He's not ready to
go out in the

hearing world by himself.

Becca.

When would he like
him to start?

In a couple of
months, before fall,

so he can become familiar with
the shop.

Jacob, you know
what will

happen.
It's the same thing over and

over again.

I do not want my son to be
humiliated.

We're not always
gonna be

there to protect him.

I know.
I just don't think

it's a good idea.

Okay.
It's gonna be okay.

I'm takin' the boys into town
tomorrow

to pick up some supplies.

It's a great opportunity to tell
Mr.

Beagle that
William can start as soon as he

needs him.

William can stay
here

with Ora and myself.

Some of the town boys
are

playing baseball and I thought
William

would enjoy watching since he
played a little in school.

What's he saying?

He thought maybe he
could

play baseball.

No, it's not the
kinda game I want

you playing.
I want you focused on work.

Come on, gittup here.
Come on.

Good boy.
There 'ya are

Whoa. That's it. Good boy. Whoa.

How are you, Dave?

Hey, Jacob!
Good to see 'ya.

- Good to see 'ya. Yeah.
- Good to see 'ya.

William, say hello.

Hey, I'm glad he
brought you along, William.

So Rebecca and I
talked it over

and he can start whenever you'd
like.

Well, that's great.
That's just great.

I really appreciate
you bringing him in for work.

Now, when you want to talk to
him,

you gotta look at him square in
the eye

so he can read your lips.

Oh, I'm not gonna
have any problem with that.

I've been having a little
trouble with my own hearing.

And look at these hands.

They've done a lot of work.

But you've got
nothing to worry about.

It's gonna work out well.

Thank you.

What are you boys
all doin' here?

Well, I promised 'em
I'd take 'em

over to watch the baseball game.

That's a good
thing.

I'll see you after.
All right?

All right.

Have a good time,
boys.

Thanks again, Dave.

Pleasure to see
you, Jacob.

Let's go.

Keep it going, boys!

Yeah!
Come on!

All right.
Keep it going, boys!

Keep it going, boys!

Whoa!

So you really wanna
play some baseball?

Son, you gotta build a future.

Playing baseball is no life you
can

hang your hat on.
You understand?

What?
Let me see.

I know you played a little in
school.

You were good, huh?

You even beat some big-time
leaguers?

Son, baseball's for hoodlums.

Maybe one day you can play for
fun,

but it's not gonna get you
anywhere.

Besides, you got a job now.
Come on.

I just don't
understand.

I don't
...I just don't get why nobody's

coming in.

Well, howdy, boys.
How you doin'?

Doin' great, Dave.
Yourself?

Oh, I'm doin' just
fine.

Is there anything I can do for
you?

Well, we got some
shoes here that need fixin'.

Oh, it doesn't...
let me... let me

see these here.
What you got?

You got a... yeah.

See you got that
dumb boy

over there working for you.

Oh, he's a good
cobbler.

Yeah?

Well, if it's all the same to you,

we'd just as soon that you do
the work on

our shoes.

I've been working
for years.

My hands are all givin' away
from it.

That boy over there,
he's a... he's a fine worker

with shoes.

I just don't see
how no

dumb boy can be fixin' no shoes.

Dave, let me give
you a little advice.

Nobody in this town wants their
shoes

fixed up by no dumb boy.

Let me give you a
piece of

advice.

You two boys and this whole town
can ride

a hundred miles

to another town and get your
shoes fixed

or you can let my boy fix 'em,

because one way or another, I
don't give a damn.

You might wanna
rethink that, Dave.

Or close down.

Yeah.
Well, I wouldn't even

give that a thought.
Good to see you.

Hey, what's wrong,
son?

You okay?

Oh.
Am I ashamed of you?

Oh, no.
What made you think a thing like

that?

You read their lips and they
said

they don't want you in town?

Listen to me. To hell with them.
Just to hell with them.

You just keep doin' you a fine
job and

they'll come back.

You believe me, I know.
And you can

start with that pair of boots.

Give me that here.

Just to hell with 'em.
You do your work, they'll come.

That's a fine piece of work.

Oh, hello, Miss. Can I help you?

I'd like to know,
sir, how much it

would cost to get these shoes
fixed up.

I'll take a look at
'em.

Oh, Miss, I'm afraid these...

these shoes are beyond repair.
Would you like to

buy another pair?

No, I... I can't.

All right.
Well, I thank you for

coming in and I wish you good
day.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Damn, would ya
look at these?

I'd swear these here are new
shoes.

Did you do this
work, boy?

Ain't no damn
way.

Well, iffin' he
did, he's the best.

Except for you, Dave.

Yeah, you're the
best.

I know that, boys.
He's a fine cobbler.

Well, we'll be
gettin' on now.

See you, Dave.

Yeah, see 'ya,
Dave.

We'll tell everybody he's real
good.

Thanks, Dummy.

Hey!
His name is William.

Oh, well, we should
have these

ready in about... oh, about a
week, boys.

Here you go.
There you go.

Oh, Ruth, there.
Mabel.

Let me see what you got here.
Oh, dear.

Why did you wait so long before
you brought

your shoes in to be fixed?

Well... well, we
we didn't. It's just that...

We didn't have the
time.

That's it.
That's what it was.

Oh, well, that's
all right.

We're gonna fix these shoes so
they look brand-new, huh?

TWill they be as
good as the Waller boys' shoes?

Even better.

Thank you, Mr.
Beagle.

Yes, thank you.

Take care.

How would you like
to buy the shop?

Yeah.
Yeah.

Well, you know, I'm gettin' up
in

years, and, well, my hands, you
know,

they're just... they're no good
anymore,

and this town needs a good
cobbler,

and I can't think of anybody
better than you. Huh? What?

Oh, yeah, you gotta talk to your
dad.

You talk to your dad and you
let me know what he says.

All right?

Now let's get back and do this
work.

Oh, look, there's that
dummy.

- Ow, Ma!
- Ow!

Daddy, come on.
This way.

Preacher, great
sermon.

Thank you.

Who's that?

Well, I know it's a
girl.

She came in the shop

the other day
needing some shoes.

Well, she's pretty.
Do you like her a little bit?

Huh? Easy, boys.
Come on, now.

She is pretty, though.

Hey, how's...
how's Mr. Beagle treating you?

Real fine, Pop.
It's pretty busy now.

Mister... Mr. Beagle
wants to sell you the shop?

That's great news, son.
That is great.

That's wonderful. Wow.
I'm proud of you.

Wait.
You've earned it.

It's good.
You've earned it.

You keep it up.
Okay?

I'm proud of you. Uh-huh.

Whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa!

Sir, I can't pay for these.
I got no money.

Didn't you hear what I said?

I got no money.

For me?
Thanks, sir. Oh!

Look, guys,
look!

Look what the new cobbler gave
me!

Woah!

You're a good man,
William.

A very fine man.

Hi.
I know you can't

hear me, but I wanted to say

thank you for giving my brother
shoes.

I'd like to pay you for them.

I know it's not much,
but it's all I have.

My pa, he doesn't work much.
I'm sorry. Oh.

You're very kind. Thank you.

Hi, William Hoy.
I'm Sarah Evans.

Yes, I'm fine,
thank you.

Are you waiting for
someone?

Yes, I am waiting for someone.

No, I'm waiting for you. You.
Do you want to walk?

I want you to teach
me

how to talk with my hands.

You want to learn sign?

You want
to learn how to sign?

Yes. Yes, I want to learn.

Excuse me.
Excuse me.

I need my shoes fixed.

Hey, buddy, you gonna answer me?
Hey!

Hey!

Okay, then.

I'll go someplace else.

Finally I get your
attention.

You can't hear?

Well, why don't you rig you up
somethin' to this door,

a pulley system, so when you
open the door...

... it
falls.

Look, here's the door.

You get a pulley, take
a line, and

you rig it, you tie it to this
hammer.

When the door opens, the hammer
falls

and you feel it.

You're welcome.

I need new soles.

I'll fix them for free.

Oh, no, no, no, no.
You work

really hard.
I'll pay you.

I'll pay you.

I want to
pay you

back for your idea.

Just do a really good
job on them.

That'll be payment enough.

That's good.

Good.
Thank you very much.

Throw it! Throw it!

He's out. He's out!
You see that throw?

That's no fair.
He can't do that.

He ain't even playin'.

Why you got that
hammer hittin' the floor?

Come
here.

Put your hands on the floor.

The floor
vibrates.

What does it say?

Si-si-since I cannot
h-h-hear, I f-f-

feel the... the vibr-bration.

He feels the vibration.
That's what it says.

Why can't you hear?

He can't
hear you, stupid.

Don't call me stupid.

He just told you he
can't hear,

so why did you ask the question?

- Then write it.
- You write it.

Why?
'Cause you can't write, stupid?

- Can you?
- Yeah.

Okay.
Then go ahead, write it.

Why don't you-all write
it?

Well, you asked the
question.

Yeah, you asked the
question.

Calm
down.

Would you like to
play baseball with us?

Baseball.

Would you like to play with us?

If you
learn to

read and write, we can play
baseball.

Let me
have it.

Let's
play.

Gene was the
kindest little

soul in the world, but this hint
about...

I want to see you.

You... you want to
start a team

with us?
Wow!

Ya mean it?

How do you always know
where the ball is going?

Wow!

Excuse me, boys.
What's the name of your team?

Stonewall Jackson Ball
Club.

That's a great name.
Play here every day?

That's right, Mister.
That's our playing field.

Yeah, we got us a big
game

tomorrow over at the park.

Yeah, it's gonna be big.
The whole

darn town's gonna come out and
watch us.

That's great.

Tell me somethin', that guy with
the shirt and the tie, who's he?

He's the cobbler.
He play pretty good, don't he?

Yes, he does.

Okay.
Yeah, we won't tell Pa

we're playing ball.

Thank you, boys.
Good luck tomorrow.

- Thanks, Mister.
- You bet.

Young man,
can I have a moment?

Excuse me. Young man. Excuse me.

Excuse me. Young man.

Hey, Mister,

you know he can't hear 'ya,
don't 'ya?

Who?

The cobbler, Dummy
Hoy.

Why do you call him
that?

Because he's deaf
and dumb.

You're talkin' about the
young man

that just walked into that shoe
store?

Yes, sir.

That's exactly who
I'm talking about.

Can't hear anything?

Poor boy can't
hear or speak a lick.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Ball. Ball.
B-A-L-L.

What's with you
and that deaf and dumb boy?

Nothing, Daddy.
He's just a nice boy.

Yeah.
Well, you two

seem to be gettin' real close.

Daddy, I like him.

He's not normal.
I don't want you gettin' to like

him too much.

Now, what's all this hand stuff?

That's the way he
talks.

It makes the two
of you

look like monkeys.
Stay away from him.

Daddy!

Did you
hear what I said?!

He gave Jimmy a
pair of

shoes whenever he needed them.

If I hada known
he needed

them, I would have got Jimmy
some shoes.

Well, if you'd quit
drinking,

you would have known.

Woman,
talk some sense into this girl.

Never mind.
I know what you're gonna say,

Mama.

Gittup here.
Gittup here.

Whoa, boy.
Good boy.

Let's go on.

- Is that William and the boys?
- I believe it is.

Frank!

- Hey, Pa.
- Frank, come here.

- What are you boys doin'?
- Nothing, Pa.

Don't you "Nothing,
Pa" me.

I saw you playing ball.

William, I told you I didn't
want

you playin' baseball, correct?

Pa, William's real
good

at playing baseball.

Yeah, I don't want
to hear nothin' of it.

You got a business to run right
now.

Boys, get in the wagon.

William, I want you back at the
shoe store.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean
to...

You played pretty good.

You should be out there with
the rest of the boys having fun.

You can't hear me, can you?

I watched you play ball.

You're a natural.

Now, do you think you can play
that well against pro players?

My name is Dooley.
I'm a baseball scout.

I would like you to go to Urbana
with me

and play for Kenton.
Can you go?

Why?

It doesn't look like there's a
lot of business.

I'll tell you what, if you want
to go,

be at the train station next
Saturday.

I'll buy your ticket.

Play that
one more

time.
You sold that.

Okay. Where is it now? Uh-huh.

One more time.
One more time.

Oh, hold on.
Let's see.

This man saw me play
today and

wants me to play on the Kenton
team.

A man wants you to play baseball
for Kenton?

Who is this man?

His name is Dooley,
a baseball scout.

Ora, give papa a kiss.
Go sit down, please.

Thank you, Honey.

William, we already talked about
baseball.

You have a business now. Okay?

It'll be for just one
day.

Besides, no one is coming
into the shop right now.

That's a bunch of hogwash.
Baseball is not a game for you.

I'm good at it, Pa.
I said no.

You said I could play.
I said maybe.

He's real good, Pa.

Anybody else?

Listen to me, family,

I don't think this is a good idea.

He has a business now.
I'm sorry, son.

Becca, that was a great dinner,
honey.

Dummy, we heard about
the scout.

Kenton and Urbana are big
rivals.

What?

This is your big chance.

I think you
should follow your dream.

My father would be very angry.

Wouldn't he
want you to be happy?

He wants
me to have a future. He's right.

I know you want to
honor

your father, but think about it.

You are very good.

Read it!

All aboard!

All aboard!

Do you always wear a shirt and
tie?

Get on the train.

See that pitcher over
there?

That's Billy Hart.

Think you can hit off of him?

Oh, yeah.
Don't let on that you're deaf.

Trust me.

Woah!

Hey, Scout.

Hello, boys.

How ya doin', Scout?

Good. Yourself, Billy?

Feeling good.
Ready to beat your boys.

Who 'ya got here?

Oh, it's a new guy I'm
looking at.

Wanna see him play.

Your guys could use
all the help they can get.

But he looks a little small
to be playing ball, ain't he?

That's what I like about
you,

Billy, you're so modest.

We'll see 'ya out
there, kid.

Come on, kid.
Let's see what you got.

Dummy's gone to
Urbana.

You won't get your shoes.

Oh, Mr. Hoy. I didn't...
I didn't know it was you, sir.

It's okay.

- Thank you.
- Yes, sir.

Hey, we got a lefty
here.

Son of a gun.

Great game.

Oh, yeah, it is.

Hello.

Hi. Are you deaf?

You got
me.

You play baseball
very well.

Thank
you.

Are you from Urbana?

No, Cincinnati.

You came
all this way to watch me play?

I don't even know
you, sir.

Allow me
to change

that.
I am William Hoy.

And you are?

Anna Marie Lowery.

This is my brother, Frank,
the reason I came here.

He also wants to play this game
baseball.

I'm sure
someday he will.

And who is this?

This is Mrs.
McCall.

She escorted me here from the
Cincinnati Oral School.

Are you a resident?

I teach children
how to use their voice.

I assume you use your voice to
play baseball?

No,
ma'am; I do not.

I have never learned how to.

Well, Mr. Hoy,
I think you should consider it.

I will.
It was a pleasure to meet you,

Miss Lowery.

Maybe someday we will meet
again.

Perhaps we will,
Mr.

Hoy.
Good day.

Good day.
And a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.

McCall, Frank.

A pleasure, sir.

What the hell.

What the hell!
Hey, Scout, who is that guy?

Oh, that's my friend,
Dummy Hoy.

Dummy Hoy?

Yeah, deaf and dumb
kid outta Houcktown.

What are you talkin'
about?

You tellin' me this guy can't
hear nothing?

That's right.
Not a lick.

No way.
Ain't no way no

dummy's gonna beat me.

He just did,
Billy boy.

He just did.

I'm takin' you to Milwaukee.

Come on.
Come on.

Gittup
there.

Gittup there.
Gittup there.

Come on.

Gittup there.
Gittup there.

Gittup there.
Gittup

there.
Gittup there.

Whoa, boy. Whoa, whoa.

Whoa! Whoa!

Gittup there.
Gittup there.

Come on.
Come on.

Gittup there.
Get out of there!

Come on!

What is this?

What?

Ask him what this is.

What is that?

It's why
I want to play baseball.

It's why
I want to play baseball.

What does it say?

It says,
"Stay away from Sarah, freak."

He wants me to tell
you that

he never meant to go against
your wishes.

I just wanted to prove to
everyone

that I could do what other boys
could do.

I know people look at me like
I'm some

monkey behind the counter fixing
their shoes,

but just because I can't hear
doesn't mean I don't feel.

Pa, look at me!

I'm small and I'm deaf, and
nobody

takes me serious until I show
them

what I can do.
I know why...

I know why you and Ma don't
want me to play baseball.

You think that I'm going to
get hurt because I'm deaf.

I need you... to prove to you
that I'm good at baseball.

Dooley wants to send me to
Milwaukee.

I know you and Ma want to
protect

me, but I don't want to hide
behind you

while other people laugh at us
and call us names.

I want you to be proud of me and
tell everyone,

"There goes my son.
Have you seen him play ball?"

Oh, that's my boy.

You go show 'em, boy.

You write.
You write to us quick.

I will.

Driver: Mr.
Hoy?

Mr.
William Hoy?

Tell him it's time to
go.

It's time for you to go.

Promise me you'll be back
to open the shop for the fall.

I
promise.

Thank
you.

Sir, your ticket.
Sir? Sir? Sir, your ticket.

Let's go,
Trevor.

All right.
Get to the ball, Alan!

Get to the ball!
Play at first!

Play at first! Come on!
What's going on, guys?

Get the ball in.

Come on.
Don't walk to the ball.

Alan, make the play.
Go to first.

What do ya want?

Yeah, I'm the manager.

There you go. That's it.
That's it. Do it again.

So, Dooley sent you for a
tryout, huh?

What's with the notes, kid?

What, don't you hear?

I get it.
This is some joke, right?

Dooley's playin' me for some
damn fool.

You don't understand?

I said this is a joke.
A joke.

Either you really can't hear or
Dooley's fartin' around with me.

Tell me this is a joke.

Write it.

Ah, for
Pete's sake,

how you gonna play ball if you
can't hear?

What's that knucklehead
thinkin'?

Listen, kid, I mean, whatever.

You go back and tell Dooley
"thanks, but no thanks".

I need an outfielder that
can hear.

You want me to write that down?

Okay.
Dooley, thanks but no thanks.

Send me an outfielder that can
hear.

Now get outta here!

All right.
Let's play ball, guys.

Come on!
What?!

Just try
me out,

that's all I am asking.

I told you I
can't, kid.

You don't hear, and in this game
you gotta hear.

That's it. Let's go!

- Read.
- I can't. No.

These boys need to depend
on each other and you need to

hear.

Ah, forget it. No.
Now, go away.

Dooley, what's he thinkin'
sending me a freak.

Make the play!
Make the play, Seth! Come on!

Hey, you gotta
call for the ball!

Nice play,
kid!

Hey, tell this
kid

he's gotta call for the ball.

I can't.
He's deaf.

- He's what?
- Deaf!

What's he doin'
here, then?

Just let him
play.

I can't believe this.

Ahhh!

Play ball!

All right.
We got us a right fielder.

Damn, kid, Dooley's right.
I want you.

You did a good job out there.
All right. Whatcha got?

$65 a month? No, no, no.
You're just gettin' started.

$55 a month.

No, no, no, no.
Listen, I got guys

out there that have been playing

with me two years that
don't make $65 a month.

But I'm
good.

I can catch the ball and I can
hit the ball.

You did
great.

You did great, but they can play
too.

You work hard, maybe you can
make 65,

but you're gonna start at 55.

Read
that.

I
may be

deaf and dumb, but I'm not
stupid.

Hey, you listen to me, kid!

You will never play baseball!
Do you hear me?!

You will never play for this or
any other team!

I'll see to it!

Do you hear me? Arrr!
Of course he doesn't hear me!

Damn it!

William! Oh, God!
Something's wrong!

Are you all right?

I'm all
right.

What?
What did he say?

He's fine.

Well, what happened?

What happened?

They want
me to play for them.

They want
him to play for them.

Well, that's great!

But I
said no.

But he said no.

He said no?
Well, no?

Well, why did he say... well,
why?

Why? This is
what you've always wanted.

Didn't pay me
enough, so I said no.

What happened in
Milwaukee?

You're right. You are better.

You're going to Oshkosh.

This time, I'm going with you.

Get your stuff.

Ticket, sir.

- Thank you.
- Yes, sir.

Frank Selee,
you old goat, how are 'ya?

Dooley,
you old skunk, how are you?

- Doin' good. Doin' good.
- Who's the kid?

He's a new player
I picked up in Houcktown.

I'm tellin' you straight, he's a
natural.

Yeah?
Kind of small, ain't he?

Hey!
Come on!

Come on! Let's see a little
hustle out there!

Slow as molasses in February.

Listen, Frank, this is
probably one of the best players

I've seen come along in a while.

Yeah?
What's your name, kid?

Yeah, there... did I
fail to

mention that he is deaf and
dumb?

You're kidding me.

Yeah. Well, no, I'm not.

Sorry, kid, I can't
use you.

All right?
All right?

Dooley, get me someone
that can hear and we'll talk.

Come on, Frank.
You and I go back a long way.

Yeah. Yeah. No, no.
Sorry, I can't use him.

Why?

'Cause he's
deaf and dumb.

You know there's a
deaf and dumb team, don't you?

Frank, what do you have
to lose?

Just watch him play for a while,

and if you don't see that
he's that good, we'll walk away.

How's he gonna

communicate with
the other players

out there if he's deaf and dumb?
Besides, he's too small.

Huh? What's he want here?

He wants to tell you
something.

You think that
you're...

Your boy here thinks he's
better than any of my guys.

You got a lot of gumption, kid,
I'll give you that.

You're right, what have I got to
lose?

Yeah, yeah. No, go on.
Go on. Get out there.

Thanks, Frank.

Yeah. This is
gonna be interesting.

Yes, it is.

Ah, come on,
guys!

We're gonna have to do better
than this.

Try hard! Play hard! Train hard!

If we wanna be the best,
we gotta train and

play like the best.

All right. Come on!
Let's play some ball!

Hey! Hey, kid! Kid,
move back! Hey, kid, move...

Why am I yelling?

Dooley, are you pullin' my leg?

Just let him play,
Frank.

Krock!
Krock,

tell the new kid, tell him to
move back!

Hey you, move back!

What's wrong with this kid?

He can't hear.

What?

He can't hear
either.

C'mon, coach.
This is a joke!

Give him a break,
Kinz.

You're replacin'
Joneszy with this guy?

I ain't replacing
anyone with him yet.

Throw that ball in here.
I'll teach him not to play

shallow.

Way to go, kid!

- He's fast.

Boy's got an arm.

The show's just
gettin' started, Frank.

Hey, he can hit.

- This boy's good.
- Yes, he is.

Hey, Frank, you want to talk to
him?

Huh? Huh? Oh, yeah.

Good? You're great, kid.

Yeah, he was right.

I want you.
I want you on my team.

You.

$65 a month.

Yeah.
Well, you got yourself a deal,

kid.
You got yourself a deal.

Yeah, so,

be back here in two weeks.
Two weeks,

we start practice then.

Here. What's... what's your
name, kid? What's your name?

William Hoy. The boys
back home call him Dummy Hoy.

Dummy Hoy?

Okay.
Dummy.

I like it.

Dummy Hoy. Alright.

Excuse me.
I said excuse me.

Can you tell me where
I can find the post office?

Hello.
I am trying to locate someone.

Maybe you could help me.

Who is this
person?

Anna Marie Lowery.

Oh, yes.

I was
hoping you

would remember me.

Of course.
How could I

forget the great baseball
player?

How is
your brother?

Did he ever start playing?

Frank
was killed in a fight.

I am
sorry.

My father always told me
fighting will not solve

anything.

Yes.

So what brings you
here into Cincinnati?

I just
joined a

professional baseball team in
Oshkosh.

That's quite a long ways away.

Yes.
Yes, it is.

Shouldn't you be
there?

No.
I mean yes.

I mean I should be there in two
weeks.

So you have
business in Cincinnati?

No.
It's just that...

well, you've been on my mind.

This is a
beautiful place.

Yes, really, this
is a very

special place for me.

I think you should
consider

learning how to use your voice.

What good would it do me?

People would look
at you differently.

The only
way they

look at me different is when I
play baseball well.

I feel that
would change if you spoke.

Half of
the players

don't even try to talk to me.

They're afraid.

Of what?

Someone with a
handicap

is better than them.

I've
never felt

that my inability to

hear is a handicap.
In fact, it is often an asset.

Uh-huh.

I can
feel the tiniest

foul tip touching my bat.
I know when I hit a ball

that it will leave the ballpark
or just be a single.

And when I'm on base, I have my
own secret

way of knowing what the batter
is going to hit.

I
know if a runner is going to try

to run.
And the crowds...

Mhm-hmh.

Well, I
can see the

look in their eyes when they
like what I've done

or even if they don't.
I feel their energy when

they stand and wave their arms
and hats at me.

The other players hear them
cheer, but me, I get

to feel them.

It's late. I should go.

Just think about
what I said.

I will.

Will I see you
again, Mr. Hoy?

In time
you will.

Hi.

Hi.

Your father told me
that you're

going to play professional
baseball.

He seems very proud of you.

I wanted to see you, to tell you

I'm sorry about my father.

It would
never have

worked.
We're different.

It would have
worked

if not for my father.

Not just
your father,

everyone sees me different.

I don't.

Son of a...

Get in here.

Oof!
Get your hands...

Hold your tongue,
Mister.

You listen to me,
you listen to me good.

I'm a God-fearing man.

Oh, I am.

But if I ever catch you near my
son,

if I ever catch you calling

him a freak again,
may God help you.

What I'm gonna do to you...
Give me that.

Don't!

There's no... stop it!

There's no value in this.
You understand me?

Now, get yourself right.

Yeah.
I know, I know, I know, I know.

I taught you fighting is never
the answer.

Sometimes you just gotta
convince certain people

what they're doing is wrong.
It's wrong. You understand?

That's my boy, huh.
Hey, you hungry? Huh? Come on.

I put
a lot of money into this team.

I fought hard to get back in the
National League.

Yes, sir; I
know.

I feel we have a winning team
this season.

- Do you?
- Yes, sir.

I had a scout in

Oshkosh who told me of a new guy

that could catch, throw,
who's as quick as a panther.

A deaf and dumb kid by
the name of Dummy Hoy.

You ever hear of him?

Uh, yeah, I
heard of him.

Yeah, you're
damn right you heard of him.

He was here with my team,
sent by Dooley.

What the hell happened?

Well, see, he
...he...

he was asking for $65 a month.

I figured you didn't want to pay
that

much for no deaf and dumb
player.

Do you realize
that this

boy played on the Ohio
Independents?

Do you know who they are?

No, sir.

Yeah. Well,
if you did, you'd've signed him.

The Ohio Independents is a
baseball team

out of a deaf and dumb school in
Columbus.

They embarked on a statewide
barnstorming tour,

taking on several National
League clubs,

and they fared extremely well.

I didn't know
he was a real player.

- I thought...
- Yeah.

Now, I want him back!

I... I... you go to Oshkosh, you
get him back.

I don't care what it costs.

65, 75, 85, I don't care,
I want him back.

But, sir, I
told him that...

What, are you
deaf?

Maybe I'm paying you too much.
You go get him. You hear me?

Okay.
I'll bring him back.

And don't go
over 85.

Yes, sir.

Quisling.

Jackass.

All right, boys.
I'm here to

get the stats on all 'ya.
I'll make it quick.

Kinzie, I'll start with you.
I need your age, height,

- And weight.
- Nah, nah, nah.

You start with the new kid down
there.

All right.
All right, kid, let's have it.

Hey, kid, I ain't got all day.

Hey, kid, what are you, deaf?

Yeah, he is.

- Lay off him, Kinzie.
- Ah, come on, Krock.

I'm just having a little fun
with the new kid, that's all.

You're kidding,
right?

Nope.
Can't hear or talk.

Ain't that right, you dummy?

What's his name?

Who cares what his
name is?

If you ask me, he doesn't belong
here.

I told you lay off 'im.

What do you mean?

I mean baseball is
no place for dummies like him.

Well, you're
here.

Oh, that's real
funny, Krock.

That's real funny.

Laugh it up, smart ass, laugh it
up.

I need your
stats.

I need your...

I'll come back to you.

Like I'm supposed to stand here
and trade notes all day.

Kinzie, might as well give me
yours.

Yeah, might as
well.

Age 41. Height one sixty.
Just kiddin'.

Six foot.
Weight one sixty.

And I'm a hell of a ball player.

How about you,
Bishop?

Okay, boys, up and
at 'em.

Game time.

Let's go. Let's get out there.

Dummy. Dummy. Dummy. You.
No, no. You come with me.

You come with me.

No, no, no, no, no. No. No.
You come with me.

Mr.
Hoy.

Frank.

Gentlemen, we are prepared to
offer Mr. Hoy

$65 a month to play for
Milwaukee.

He's already
getting 65.

Then we'll
offer him 75.

That will be up to
Mr.

Hoy to
decide whether he will accept it

or not.

All right.

Mr. Hoy, watch this.
We will pay you $75 a month.

No, thank you.

Okay. No problem.
No problem. I understand.

Okay? Mr. Hoy, watch this.

How does $85 a month sound?

Oh. Look.

I'm sorry, Frank.

Oh, sure. That's 85.

I wouldn't play for
your team for a million dollars.

I think we're finished here.

Strike one!

Strike two!

Strike three!

You're out. Go.

We'll get 'em next
time.

Yeah! All right!
All right, Dummy!

Go, go, go.
Go, go, go.

Nice throw!

That's how it's done,
deaf boy.

Yeah!

All right!

Strike one.

Strike two.

What are you saying?

Strike three.
You're out.

You're out.
You're out.

Strike one.
Strike two.

Strike three.
You're out.

Batter's out!

Yeah!
Yeah, Dummy! Great catch!

He didn't catch
that ball.

He's deaf and dumb as they come.
Ain't no way he

caught that ball.

You're out!

You better
think about it, Ump.

Hey, Ump.
Ump, what's up?

Where you goin'?

Frank, I'm
takin' care of it.

What are they
talkin' about?

So kid, did you
catch that ball?

Of course he caught
the ball.

You saw it with your own eyes.

I'm talkin' to
the boy here.

The ball
hit the ground

before I caught it.

Thanks, kid.

That's one honest ball
player right there, boys.

All right.
Batter, take your base.

He's safe? What?

That's one dumb

kid you got on your
team there, Kinz.

He could've had me out.

They ought to call y'all the
Oshkosh Dummies.

Ahhh!
What's wrong with you, huh?

Are you tryin' to lose the game
for us?

Huh!?

Back off him, Kinzie.

Why are
you always

sticking up for him?

He ain't nothin' but a dumb
idiot!

He didn't catch
the ball.

You know it and I know it.
Now, get back to second.

I ain't
done with

you yet, deaf boy.
You got that?

Okay. All right.

Kinzie.
Kinzie, what are you doin'?

What?
He didn't call for it.

What? You gonna do
something, deaf boy?

You gonna do
something?

Boys!
William!

That'll teach you
to mess with me.

You understand that?

You know fighting
is not the answer ever.

No, you cannot do
that.

Stay
outta my way!

I want to commend
you for

being so honest on the field
today.

I would rather lose a game than
win it by cheating. Thank you.

Get Kinzie in here.

You boys need to
get some rest.

We don't need rest.

You need to
lay off the beer and cigars too.

We're just
celebratin' our win.

Yeah.
Why don't you

include the deaf kid once in a
while?

He ain't like us,
Frank.

He don't fit in.

I mean, even his name, Dummy
Hoy.

You don't give him
a chance.

C'mon, Frank.

He got Kinzie kicked off the
team.

Kinzie got
himself kicked off the team.

Well, Dummy there could've
said he caught the ball.

Is that how you
want to win, huh, by cheating?

This kid has more heart than
I've ever seen in this game.

Hey, we got heart.

Then show it.

That was for Kinzie.

Fighting is never the
answer.

Pope!
What the heck!

This isn't football, you know.

He didn't call for it!

Fighting is never the
answer.

Hey, Dummy, get out of
baseball!

You don't belong here!

Hey, guys, leave
him alone!

Stay out of this, Kid!

Just keep pitching the ball.

Hey, knock it off
out there!

He is not one of
us!

He's just gettin' in the way!
You get someone who can hear!

Get back to playing
baseball.

Doesn't belong in
baseball, huh?

Let's see one of you guys do
that.

Gentlemen,
this year was a disaster for

Oshkosh,

and I do not intend that
it should happen again.

Now, Frank, Mr. Porter and
Mr. Hollister and Mr. Choate

have come to me with the
interest

of putting together a winning
team,

and we feel that you
have the ability to do so.

I believe I do,
sir,

with the right men.

And we shall get
them for you.

I'd like to bring in the best
men that you can find.

There are some
players I'd like to keep, sir.

Such as?

Bishop, Krock, and
Dummy Hoy.

Uhm.
Now, don't get me

wrong, Frank.

I like Dummy.

He's honest, he's a great
outfielder,

and he's fast as hell,

but his batting is less than
desired.

He's the best
outfielder I've ever seen.

I agree.

And a fly ball doesn't have a
chance

in hell when he's in the
outfield.

But I need hitters, Frank.

They quick pitch
him because he can't hear.

Maybe you could
work with

him on that.

But I don't care how good
he is in the outfield.

If he doesn't hit,
I have no use for him. Huh?

We need hitters.

We'll figure it
out.

Well, you better
figure out

a way for the other fellows
to get along with him too.

No more of this knocking him
down

or I'll get rid of the whole lot
of 'em

and replace 'em.
Hmh?

Sit.
We need to talk.

Okay.

You're great in the field.
You're fast.

You can throw like I've never
seen anyone throw before,

maybe even better than King,

but you're not hitting.

I'm hitting.

No, no, no.

Your batting average is .219
this season.

Mr. Sawyer wants it higher.

If you don't start hitting,
I can't keep you.

They're
quick pitching.

Yes, I told them.

I told them that.
I told them they're quick

pitching you.

They don't care. No.

It's the way the game is played.

Huh?
You have until next season to

figure it out.

I know you will.

You are a great player,
and I'd hate losing you.

I'll also tell the guys to not
run into you.

Huh?

Oh. No, no. You sure you want
to handle it? You? Okay.

Mr. Hoy! It's a
pleasure to see you again.

I want to learn to speak.

I think I have
the right teacher for you.

Are you paying any
attention?

Are you paying any attention?

Mr.
Hoy, are you paying any

attention?

Mr. Hoy.

What's
wrong?

What's wrong?

You are not paying any
attention.

How do you expect to learn how
to speak

if you don't pay any attention?

Your beauty has overtaken me.

Mr.
Hoy, unless I am mistaken,

you have come here to learn how
to speak.

Am I right?

I think I
just did.

Didn't you hear me?

Mr. Hoy,
you're something else.

Now, Mr. Hoy, I am going
to fingerspell a word

and I want you to say it.

B-A-S-E-B-A-L-L. Baseball.

What are you up to?

You have an idea?

What?

Okay.

- B.
- B.

A.

A. A-L-L. Ball.

While I
am at bat, you

spell ball from the sideline.

Ball?

And I
will look at you.

Yeah.

I swing.

Yeah.
Okay.

Bat. Bat.
Bat. Ball.

You sign
three.

Oh, wait.
Well, that...

that's the base line.

- B...
- Oh, I'm on the...

I'm on the baseline.

- B-A-L-L.
- B-A-L-L.

Ah!

Ball.

B-A-L-L.

Strike one.

S-T-R-I-K-E.

Z.

Z.

Your
name.

Your name.

K-R

R-O

C-K
TEAMMATES: C-K

Your
name.

My name?

B-I

I-S-H

O-P

You can't see me in
the...

in the fog.

Well, you got any ideas?

Strike!

What is this?
Are you trying to bribe me, son?

I can't take that.
I can't take it.

C'mon, Ump,
let's play ball.

Selee, get out
here.

Is he trying to bribe me,
because if he is...

Just read the
paper, Ump.

Selee, if this
is a bribe,

you two are out of the game.

You got me?

So you want me to raise my
right arm when I call a strike

and my left arm when I call a
ball?

What is this?

Can you just do it
for him?

I can't play
favoritism with this kid, Selee.

Then do it for
everyone.

You... you do know your right
from your left, don't you?

Watch your
mouth, Selee.

Just wanted to
know, that's all.

All right.

From now on, I'm gonna raise my
right arm when I call a strike.

Is that even
legal?

It's legal if
I say it's legal.

Come on, ump.

You can't show him favoritism
just 'cause he's a dumb kid.

Then
I'll do it with everybody.

Well, I don't
need it.

These fellas out here don't need
it.

You're just doin' it 'cause he's
a dumb,

stupid kid that don't belong
here.

I'm gonna
raise my left arm when

I call a ball.

Now, let's play ball.

Strike one!

See that?
It's a strike.

Gonna be a lot of them today.

Frank, we're
14 games behind Milwaukee.

Now, don't get me wrong, Frank.

I think you're doing an
excellent job.

Even Dummy Hoy is batting over
.300.

Yes, sir.

But it's
just not coming together.

We'll get it
together.

I know. I know.

And just to be sure,

I have secured

Tom Lovett, Tug Wilson, Con
Murphy,

and Tommy McCarthy.

Oh, those are some
great players.

Yeah.

Well, speculation

has it that Secretary Quinn
has somehow

convinced the umpires in
Milwaukee to,

shall we say, favor Milwaukee.

Now, I need you and the boys to
give it all you've got.

Am I clear?

- Yes, sir.
- Yeah.

Frank, by the way, this running
into Dummy Hoy will stop.

He wants to deal
with it himself.

He asked me not to say anything.

Well, you keep an
eye on it.

Huh?

It's great to
meet 'ya.

Man, you've played some great
ball.

I bet you're gonna be remembered
as one of the best players.

You too.

Me?
No.

I play good.
You, you play great.

To avoid
collisions in the

outfield, from now on,

when I am fielding a fly ball,

I will make a squealing sound
so

the other players will back off.

You really think that's gonna
help?

You read that?

It ain't gonna happen.

Anybody touches
Dummy Hoy again,

they're gonna be dealing with
me.

Is that right, Tommy?

- And me.
- And me.

That goes for me
too.

Let's go
play some ball, boys.

Yeah! Let's win one!

Y-Z.

I'll be right back.
Keep practicing.

Okay.
Listen up, boys.

I've scheduled an extra
exhibition game

for us while we're in Des
Moines.

You're killin' us,
Frank.

Ah?
We need the practice.

Besides, Sawyer made it very
clear he didn't

want to lose the pennant this
year.

Where's Dummy?

- I
- think he went to the can.

Just let him
know about the game.

Where the hell's
Dummy?

I think he's still upstairs,
coach.

Well, you
blockheads did

tell him about the game, didn't
you?

Tug, you're the
outfielder.

Beeler, did you not tell
him?

All right.
All right.

All right.
Go on up.

Go on.
Go get him.

- Is this him over here?
- Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hoy! Man, we got a game.
Come on, wake up!

Hey, kid, do us
a favor.

Climb through the transom
and wake up our buddy, okay?

If he ain't answerin',
how you know he's in there?

He's deaf, you see?

I don't know.
My boss wouldn't

want me breaking in a room.

You're not breaking
in.

We're giving you permission.

Yeah.

Who are you guys?

We're the Oshkosh
baseball club,

and that's Dummy Hoy.

Dummy Hoy?
He's a great center fielder.

Yes, he is,
and we have a game.

Well, hey, boost me up
here.

Team: Let's do this.

He's in there all
right.

Can you squeeze in
there?

I ain't gettin'
through.

Get him...
let's get 'im down.

Get 'im down.

I've got an idea.

Give me a plug.

Give me... give me
another plug.

Give me another plug.

That's twice, Con.

Oh.

Here.
Here.

Try that.
You hold the string.

You hold the string.

- You got it?
- No, I don't know

where it ends.

- Come on, you guys.
- Go, go, go.

Got 'im.
Got 'im.

Bring it...
reel it in.

Fish him in.

- I'm tryin'. I'm tryin'.
- Reel him in.

Reel him in.
Here we go.

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Wow!

The Washington
Nationals are wanting you

to play for them next year.

Me?

Yes, you.

You really showed 'em, Dummy.

You're a great player.
You're a great player!

Thank you.

Follow your
dreams!

The Washington
Nationals

want me to play for them next
year.

Wow! That's great!

Yes, it is.

Why do you love
baseball so much?

It's one place
I feel I can do anything.

When I'm running bases or
out in the field, nothing

matters.

Well, almost.

What is it?

Some of the guys
blame me

for getting our captain kicked
off the team.

Now they run into me,
making me miss fly balls.

You need to stand
up for yourself.

I'm trying to
figure out a way.

You should fight
back.

Fighting doesn't
solve anything.

You should know that since
your brother was killed in one.

Mr.
Hoy, my brother did not die in

vain.

When I was young, my mother
died.

My father began drinking.

Pa, why are we
here?

I can't do it
anymore, boy.

Ever since your mom died,
I can't take care of you.

Anna's doin'
good.

We listen to her.

I know, but Anna's
deaf now

and there's things she can't do
for ya.

Pa, this ain't
right.

Listen to me, boy.

I can't take care of you
anymore,

and it's not fair to Anna.

I ain't goin'.

Please, Pa.
I don't

wanna go either.
I want to stay with you.

- Me too, Pa.
- It'll be all right.

We'll be together. Let's not
make this hard on Pa.

- Frank. Frank!
- What?

I'm sorry.

Go on.

Ah, Mr. Lowery.
Good afternoon.

And these must be your children.

Yes, ma'am; they
are.

And are you
willing to surrender them?

Yes, I am.

It will be all
right, Fredrick.

Pa, don't do this.

Mrs.
McCall will assist

you in filling out the forms,

and Dr. Lattler will be
examining the children.

My daughter is...
is deaf.

Oh. And how
long has she been deaf?

Ah.
A few years now.

She took fever after her mother
died.

Well, we'll
send her to the deaf school.

No!

You're not taking our sister.
She's all we have now.

But she needs special
care, son.

You ain't taking
her.

Frank, what's
wrong?

They want to
separate us.

No!
Why can't we be together?

I'm not goin'
anywhere.

- This is a mistake.
- Mr.

Lowery, please control your
children.

You're not
splitting us up!

We're not doing anything!
You're not taking us!

Mr. Lowery,
please control your son.

No! Pa, please.

Catherine,
I am sorry. I... I failed you.

Orderlies,
we need some help here, please.

No!
You're not doing this!

Mrs.
McCall, take Mr...

... Lowery to the
office.

Please don't do
this, Pa!

Thank you very much.

- Get off of me!
- YoT can't do this.

No!

Come with me.

No, Fredrick,
don't go.

- No.
- No. No.

No.

Anna Lowery: Wait!
Wait!

Wait!
No!

I want my sister!

Anna!

My brother hates anyone who
drinks.

One day he saw a man who was
drunk

beating up his daughter,

confronts him.

The man took out his knife,
stabs him.

The man was arrested.

The girl was taken by a loving
family

and is safe because of Frank.

I'm not saying I agree with
fighting.

Sometimes you have to stand up
for what you believe in.

I'm sorry, I didn't
know.

But if I fight back, they will
say

the deaf man started the fight.

Use your voice, Mr.
Hoy.

Stand up for yourself.

Is there a problem?

Only one.

What is it?

I won't be able to
come to Cincinnati much.

Oh.

Who will teach me
to speak?

I'm sure someone at
Gallaudet College

will help you with your voice.

I was thinking of
another way.

What is it?

I would like it
if you would marry me.

Are you proposing
to me?

I am, Miss Lowery.

You'll have to talk
to

Mr.
Crouse and Mr.

Green

since I'm a ward of a children's
home.

I'm aware of that.
I'm willing to meet both

gentlemen.

And you may also
tell Mr.

Shipley.

I will meet all of
them if I have to.

So you are a
baseball player?

Yes, sir.

Hmmm. I see.

Will you make a good salary?

I already
do.

Mrs. McCall: He is said to be
a man of honor and high morals.

Yes, I have read
that about Mr. Hoy.

Does everyone accept him?

This is a grueling
final championship game

between Oshkosh and Milwaukee.

Whoever wins this game
will win the pennant.

As you can see, folks, the
umpire is

using his hands that the
deaf-mute

Dummy Hoy asked him to use so
he could know what

the calls were.

That's right, folks, a right
hand up means a strike,

while raising the left hand
indicates a ball.

It's some game we
have out there!

Hit after hit on both sides.
What a battle!

Both teams obviously
wanting this championship.

Look at the speed this deaf-mute
has.

He's safe, folks!

And Oshkosh
takes the lead eight to seven.

Strike!

Hey, come on!

You're not
gonna hit .300...

Hey, man, let's
go!

By holding

the bat on your shoulder.
Swing the bat.

We don't win,
this is gonna be your hide,

you know that.

This is the -T the most
important game of the season.

You know that!

Hey!
We're gonna win the game.

Yeah?
Promise me?

Yes, I
promise.

StrTke!

Strike?
You broke your promise.

- All right!
- Atta boy.

- Atta boy. Atta boy.
- That's the way.

And Milwaukee
has a man on first.

And there's a high

fly to centerfield

Dummy's underneath it. Looks like
he's got it for an out.

Wait! Pope ran into Dummy
and he dropped the ball.

- Aha.
- All right!

See?
Come on.

That man is our
secret weapon.

We're glad
we don't have him.

All right.

He's helping
us out.

For now, all
right.

Two outs.

I thought
you had a handle on that.

Dummy wants to
handle it.

Well, when is that
gonna be?

I don't want to lose this game.
I want the pennant.

Fighting is never the
answer.

Use your
voice, Mr.

Hoy.
Stand up for yourself.

Sometimes you just
gotta convince certain people

what they're doing is wrong.
It's wrong!

Fight back.

Oh, my goodness,
what's going

on out there?

Enough?

Let's win this!

If this keeps up,
Oshkosh will lose for sure!

Way to go, Dummy!
Way to go!

Great, bases
loaded

and Milwaukee's best hitter is
up.

With bases loaded,
there's a hit. It's agood one!

It's going! It's going!

Dummy Hoy is chasing it down,
but I think it's too far gone.

Dummy is still chasing it down.

The crowd is clearing out of his way.

He caught it! He caught it!
I don't believe it!

Dummy Hoy jumped over the
horse and caught the ball

to help Oshkosh win the pennant!

I don't believe it!

This is the gutsiest

player I've ever seen!

No, he cannot
jump

on a horse and buggy like that!

Ump! Ump!
He can't do that!

That's not
legal!

Doubleday would
have your hide!

He can't do that!
That's not fair!

That's not an
out!

That's a home
run!

- run!
- That's a home

Yes!

Pa!
Pa!

This telegram just came in!
It's from William!

From William?

Dear Ma and Pa, we
just won...

we just won the pennant here in
Oshkosh,

and the Washington Nationals
just signed me.

Thank you for believing in me.

Your son, William Hoy.

- That's our boy!
- We're all proud of

him, Jacob.

Mighty proud.
Mighty proud.

That's our boy!

Ladies and gentlemen,

here today to throw out the first pitch

is a man who helped change

the way baseball is played today.

The first deaf major league
star.

Will you please welcome the
amazing

William "Dummy" Hoy.