Curtis Pride, deaf major league baseball player, was cited by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce as of one of ten outstanding young Americans. Mr. Pride shared his "overcoming hearing loss" story in a number of public service announcements for BHI. "It was my most exciting moment-pinch-hitting for the Montreal Expos with runners on first and second base against the Philadelphia Phillies. I hit the first pitch for a two-run double, and received my first standing ovation. I was overwhelmed as I stood on second and saw all those people cheering. I've come a long way since being born with a 95% hearing loss. Major reasons were my exceptionally supportive parents, being first fitted with hearing aids as a baby, getting speech therapy from infancy through high school, and my determination to rely on oral communication. Such blessings helped me obtain my degree from The College of William and Mary, as well as excel in soccer, basketball, baseball and other sports. People wanted me on their team. My hope is that others will be encouraged by my experience to seek help-medically, with hearing aids, or other rehabilitation- if they suspect a hearing loss." Curtis is the fourth known deaf major league baseball player in history. There were three deaf ball players prior to Curtis Pride. 1) Dummy Hoy (he was the first) back in the 1800's. He was the person who instigated the hand signals for balls, strikes, safe, out, etc. 2) Dummy Taylor (who also worked at the Illinois School for the Deaf) played ball in the early 1900s and 3) Richard Sipek, played in mid 1940's for Cincinnati Reds.
Information obtained from the Better Hearing Insitute: www.betterhearing.org
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