Monthly Archives: August 2023

Talk About Big Shoes To Fill

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

It’s always a challenge for children to live up to their celebrity relatives.This article in the “Argus and Patriot” (Montpelier, VT) dated August 28, 1895 illustrates that this is not a new phenomenon. The article is a recount of a game between National Life Insurance Company and the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The game was played on Seminary Hill in Montpelier, Vermont on a rather inclement day. The final score was 14-7 in favor of the “fire boys”. The game account is written in the ‘flowery style” of the day and interesting for that alone. However, about halfway into … Continue reading →

Marjorie Adams On “My Baseball History” Podcast

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

Marjorie Adams talked with Dan Wallach on his “My Baseball History” podcast about her great-grandfather, Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams, M.D. To steal a line from SABR, Marjorie draws on her family archives and ephemera in addition to more traditional sources to provide an in-depth look into the man John Thorn called “the true father of baseball – and you’ve never even heard of him!” “Liner notes” for this podcast episode can be found at “My Baseball History: 202 – Marjorie Adams“.

Continue reading →

VBBA Highlights The Knickerbocker Experience

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

The Knickerbocker Experience was highlighted in this summer’s Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA)’s Quarterly newsletter. The VBBA was formed on February 11, 1996, when delegates from thirteen clubs representing five states assembled in Columbus, Ohio. Their goal was to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first recorded base ball match between organized teams. Using the National Association of Base Ball Players (c. 1858) as a model, the delegates formed the Vintage Base Ball Association. Visit their site to learn more about the VBBA and its mission statement. This article provides some background the Knickerbocker Experience and its tentative upcoming schedule. … Continue reading →

Henry Chadwick On The Father Of Baseball

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

On August 16, 1898, Henry Chadwick wrote to Doc Adams responding to Doc’s letter congratulating him on the title of “Father of Base Ball”. Mr. Chadwick wrote: “That title of ‘Father of Base Ball’ is out of place. Base like Topsy ‘never had no fader’ it growed up.” Mr. Chadwick was being modest, however there are others who he could share that title with, including the good doctor. For his role in making baseball the success it is, Doc Adams may be counted first among the Fathers of Baseball. “Doc Adams“, SABR Bio Project, John Thorn

Continue reading →

Happy 10th Birthday DocAdamsBaseBall.org!

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

The Doc Adams Base Ball website is celebrating it’s 10th birthday! It’s been a fun, exciting, and rewarding ride – one that will continue until Doc and his contributions are well known by baseball fans. Hopefully, this will result in his having a plaque in the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s gallery. A lot has happened just since this website was established 10 years ago. An engaging and memorable interview of Doc Adams (Marjorie Adams) at SABR’s 6th Annual Frederick Ivor-Campbell 19th Century Base Ball Conference in Cooperstown…. Selection of Doc Adams as SABR’s 2014 Overlooked 19th Century Baseball Legend…the … Continue reading →

Preparations For Knickerbocker Experience And Doc Adams Memorial

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

This past weekend, Doc Adams was celebrated at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration with the Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival. As usual, it was a great time for ballists and cranks alike. In addition to the usual great play demonstrated on the field, there were a couple of surprises. Former Met great and 1969 World Series Champion, Art Shamsky, was on hand to throw out a ceremonial pitch and mingle with the fans. Also on hand were Zoe and Mike Fimbel from Doc Adams’ birthplace of Mont Vernon, NH to enjoy the festivities. The annual Doc Adams Birthplace … Continue reading →

The Fly Game: Knickerbockers Vs. Empires

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

On August 10, 1859, the Knickerbockers played the Empires at Elysian Fields.It was the first game of the 1859 season between these two teams, however, it was not a regular match as they played “the fly game”. In the fly game, the ball must be caught “on the fly” to be an out rather on one bounce. The Knickerbockers won the contest 59-33. Doc Adams played “centre field”. He had 5 “Hands Lost” (a player was charged with a Hand Lost every time he made an out at bat or on the basepaths) but scored 5 runs. On an interesting … Continue reading →

Doc Adams Portrait Hangs At The Fairfield County Bank

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. was the 1st President of the Ridgefield Savings Bank which opened in 1871 in the Bailey & Gage store at the Old Hundred (which is now the Aldrich Museum). In 2004, the Ridgefield Savings Bank and Fairfield County Savings Bank, merged as the Fairfield County Savings Bank. It had been reported that Adams’ portrait now hangs in the Ridgefield Saving Bank Main Branch’s lobby. On a recent visit to Ridgefield, I decided to drop in and take a look. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate the portrait and I must have looked lost or suspicious, as … Continue reading →

The 2023 Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

The 2023 Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival was held on August 5-6 at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. In 2015, this longest running annual vintage base ball festival of its kind was renamed in honor of Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams. This year’s festival once again lived up its reputation as a must see for baseball fans, history buffs, and anyone looking for a day of outdoor fun. The top 10 weather was enjoyed by ballists and cranks alike. For more photos from the event, visit our 2023 Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival page. The Knickerbocker Experience … Continue reading →

Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival This Weekend

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

The 26th installment of the Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival will take place tomorrow and Sunday, August 5-6, at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. In 2015, this longest running annual vintage base ball festival of its kind was renamed in honor of Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams. The festival is a must for baseball fans, history buffs, and anyone looking for a a day of outdoor fun. This year, The Kickerbocker Experience will be making its first appearance at the festival. The club’s goal is to provide a memorable “Experience” that honors Doc Adams and the Knickerbockers. If you … Continue reading →