William Ellsworth "Dummy" Hoy became deaf after meningitis at age three. In Hoy's time, the word "dumb" was used to describe someone who could not speak, rather than someone who was stupid. Said to have been able to speak with a voice that resembled a squeak, Hoy was one of the most intelligent players of his time. He had a 14-year Major League career, leading the league in walks and plate appearances twice each, and once in games at the age of 37. In 1888 while playing for the Washington Nationals, he led the league with 88 stolen bases, en route to 596 career steals which is still 19th all-time.

Hoy has five different poses in the N172 set. This issue depicts the Washington Center Fielder leaning on a bat with his left hand, while his right hand rests at his side. The back of the card explains the technical grade, with paper loss and pencil writing present. But the front presents very nicely, with strong centering. While the corners are rounded, the edges are nicer than the grade suggests. The image itself exhibits mild fading, but it is still clearly visible, and all of the text is nicely legible, as well. One of the most desirable 19th Century players not in the Hall of Fame, a highly prized card in any grade.