Luther “Dummy” Taylor attended the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe from 1884 to 1895. He went on to become a successful pitcher for the New York Giants, winning a World Series championship with the team in 1905.

Luther Taylor, center. 1894.

He was not the only deaf player in baseball at the time, but he was certainly one of the most talented and personable. Taylor was known to be outgoing, mischievous and brash on and off the field.

After he retired from baseball in 1908, Taylor returned to Kansas School for the Deaf as a coach and instructor until 1923.

Taylor (back row, center) and his 1914 champion KSD football team

Because of his major league career and his long association with the school, Taylor is probably the most well-known attendee of Kansas School for the Deaf. We have a number of photos of Taylor as a student, professional and coach. Browse the photos now.