Where did baseball hand signals come from?
In exploring this seemingly simple question, the feature-length documentary, Signs of the Time, unveils stories of inspiration and controversy that transcend sports. The film unravels the mystery surrounding baseball’s greatest innovation.
William Ellsworth Hoy started his professional career in 1886 as the centerfielder for the Oshkosh baseball club. At 5′ 4″ he was considered small to be a ballplayer, but his stature was not his greatest obstacle. Hoy was profoundly deaf. While at bat, Hoy would struggle to understand the verbal calls of the umpire. He would develop a system of hand signals whereby his third base coach would indicate whether the pitch was a strike or ball. With a glance, Hoy immediately knew the resulting call. William Hoy was admired by his teammates, revered by the fans, and went on to become the most celebrated deaf player in the history of big-league baseball.
The controversy of Hoy’s lack of recognition and the debate over who invented baseball signs is explored through interviews with the legends of the game. Signs of the Time is sure to delight baseball fans of all ages. But more than that, the film explores our need to interact with those around us, even in the face of adversity.
Rogue Gallart
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