Your Opinion: July 14, 2011

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July 14, 2011

Your Opinion: July 14, 2011

The Cooperstown Crier Thu Jul 14, 2011, 08:45 AM EDT

‘Dummy’ deserves to be in HOF

Have you ever heard of Dummy Hoy? He was the first deaf player in Major League Baseball. Today, I seriously think that Dummy Hoy is supposed to be in the Hall of Fame. Here are some reasons why Hoy should be in the Hall of Fame.

Dummy’s real name is William. Back then, “dumb” or “Dummy” meant someone who cannot speak. Even if he was deaf, he wouldn’t let people ruin his dream to be a baseball player. Anyway, one of the most interesting things about Dummy was that he couldn’t understand the ump.

During his first season, he hit .219 because he was confused after every pitch. So what he did the next year was, he told the 3rd base coach to give him signals. When the third base coach raised his right arm, it meant strike, and left arm meant ball. That year, Dummy understood every pitch and he hit .367. Speaking of batting, he played 1,797 games with a total of 7,115 at bats, 1,429 runs, 2,048 hits, and 596 stolen bases. Dummy Hoy was one amazing baseball player.

On defense, he made tremendous plays at centerfield.

His speed and arm was just like a pistol. One time he threw out three runners at home plate in one game. His speed was very unique and he was one of those I-can-fly people. Every time when Hoy made a brilliant catch, the crowd waved their hands because Dummy couldn’t hear them clap. Dummy had 3,965 putouts and 276 assists in his career.

Dummy Hoy should be in the Hall of Fame. Right now, he’s in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. I’d like to see him in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown but am not sure if the committee will say yes or no.

Wouldn’t it be wrong to not let him be in the Hall of Fame? I believe that Dummy Hoy is a deaf hero.

Also, I have a story about myself when I played baseball. Sometimes I compare myself to Dummy because I went through the same thing.

I started playing baseball when I was 2. Then, when I was 6, I started going deaf. I wouldn’t let that destroy my dream to play baseball. I love baseball and have played many years. Right now I’m on a travel team. I’ve been on the Montgomery Wolverines for two years and this is my third year. I believe Dummy made a big difference when he played because I see the same things when I play. When I get a hit and am on first base, the first base coach and the third base coach move around so I can see them better. My dad calls this “The Darren Shift.” Also they help make sure I know the count if the umpire is not clear. But it was Dummy who started it and he played many years in the pros.

Baseball is the greatest sport I’ve ever played and it fits me. It would be awesome to have Dummy Hoy in the Hall of Fame. So what do you think? Please let William “Dummy” Hoy in the Hall of Fame. Many deaf people are rooting for him to get in. He’s like our Jackie Robinson. If you do let him in the Hall of Fame, you would be my hero.

To some people, baseball is just a game, but to me, it is life.

Darren Drolsbaugh, 12,

North Wales, Pa.

Market celebration is a success

On June 18, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market celebrated 20 years of success! More than 1,500 customers visited the market that day to wish us well and support us.

We thank all of our loyal customers and visitors who have helped us become sustainable businesses. Agricultural entrepreneurship in Otsego County with its environment can be a challenge — together we have met that challenge — we are committed to continuing to work hard to deserve your loyalty.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who made our celebration and our market so successful. The Farmers Museum , the Irish Dancers, George Hymas and his puppets, Ah Cappella and Scott Andersen (he schedules all of our music for the year!) for providing entertainment . Chobani for the generous donation of 500 cups of their delicious yogurt, our vendors for the great treats with special thanks to Barbara Pope for her mini cupcakes! Mary Welch from the Master Gardener program, and our outstanding face painter — Caitlin Cook-Wightman.

Prior to our opening this year, we were fortunate to receive a grant from the Lions Club that allowed us to do some necessary repairs and upgrades to the market — with the help of volunteer carpenter Ed Hobbie much was accomplished, thanks Ed — you were terrific! And thank you to the Leo’s, the junior arm of the Lions Club for distributing our “To Market, To Market “brochure to village homes — another job well done by this community minded youth organization. You may also have seen them wearing our “veggie costumes” around town! The Pennysaver generously donated the bags for the brochures.

We can’t forget Stretch Redding — our veteran raffle seller — and the many restaurants that donate lunches for our raffles — they help pay for our heat in the winter. And to Molly Holtje for soliciting the raffle items and creating the lovely 20th anniversary banner! Many thanks!

Kudos to Brian Clancy, Chief Police Diana Nicols and Mayor Joe Booan for lifting the parking ban on Main Street — it worked wonders for everyone — a once empty Main Street filled quickly with happy locals and tourists.

The 20th Anniversary Committee is especially grateful for the work of Otsego 2000 Executive Director Ellen Pope, Market Manager Lyn Weir and outgoing volunteer Polly Renckens.

See you at the Market! Tuesdays noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meg Kennedy & Wilfred Bruneau

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market Co-chairpeople