Between 1879 and 1909, a number of deaf players entered professional baseball, and a few even made it to the major leagues. Luther “Dummy” Taylor has been the only deaf pitcher, so far, to have a reasonably long and successful major-league career—and he pitched for the renowned New York Giants during the first 8 years of John McGraw’s management. After his major-league days ended, he pitched in the minors, umpired, and coached and taught at the Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois schools for the deaf. An unforgettable character, his colorful career has been recounted in Darryl Brock’s Havana Heat. He was recently honored by the Kansas City Royals.

Cover photo: Detail of a Piedmont T206 tobacco card (1909-1911), showing Taylor pitching for the Buffalo Bisons.