Yearly Archives: 2024

A History Of American Sports In 100 Objects

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In her book “A History of American Sports in 100 Objects”, Cait Murphy proposes that these 100 objects tell much more than just stories about great games – they tell the story of the nation. She shows how the games Americans play are woven into the fabric of America itself. One of the objects that she includes is “Soil From The Elysian Fields”. She states that “In Greek mythology, the souls of the historic dead enjoyed paradise in the Elysian Fields.” She found it fitting that was the home of the Knickerbockers and that the “first organized baseball game” took … Continue reading →

In His Own Words Chapter 5: Exercise (The Sporting News)

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This is the fifth chapter in a nine-part series, excerpts from an interview(s) in the “The Chicago Chronicle” and “The Sporting News”, both appearing in the mid-late 1890s. This chapter is titled: “Exercise”. The seminal interview of Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. appeared in The Sporting News on February 29, 1896. This is the only known first-hand account of Doc’s memories of the game. Similar interviews (or excerpts) began to appear in newspapers across the Midwest apparently originating in The Chicago Chronicle on June 23, 1895. He never talked about baseball. We have not one thing in the family, that Doc … Continue reading →

Recalling The Ceremonial 1st “Pitch For Doc Adams”

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After the recent capstone event of this year’s “A Pitch For Doc Adams” at the M.A.C. Grounds at Fleischmanns Park, we’d like to flash back to its ceremonial 1st pitch. It seems like only yesterday that the first “Pitch For Doc Adams” was thrown on June 9, 2024 at Stroh Field, Hilltop Farm. Suffield, CT. The weather wasn’t the greatest; however, it cooperated enough to play and the ballists made the best of it. The Westfield Wheelmen hosted the first-ever Old Tyme Base Ball Festival on June 8 and 9 in Suffield. The team organized the two-day baseball festival at … Continue reading →

In His Own Words Chapter 4: Shortstop (The Sporting News)

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This is the fourth chapter in a nine-part series, excerpts from an interview(s) in the “The Chicago Chronicle” and “The Sporting News”, both appearing in the mid-late 1890s. This chapter is titled: “Shortstop”. The seminal interview of Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. appeared in The Sporting News on February 29, 1896. This is the only known first-hand account of Doc’s memories of the game. Similar interviews (or excerpts) began to appear in newspapers across the Midwest apparently originating in The Chicago Chronicle on June 23, 1895. He never talked about baseball. We have not one thing in the family, that Doc … Continue reading →

1860 Beadle’s Dime Base-Ball Player

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In the premier issue of Beadle’s Dime Base-Ball Player, Hall of Famer Henry Chadwick, expresses gratitude to his friend, Dr. Adams. Doc was also listed as delegate to the 1860 National Convention representing the Knickerbockers with his teammate, William Grenelle. As is illustrated by Doc’s name appearing in italics, he still continued to support the ‘catch on the fly’ rule. The rule change was proposed to the NABBP annually by Adams but did not pass. It wasn’t finally instituted in 1864. Doc Adams was elected the presiding officer of the first convention in 1857. The second convention was the birth … Continue reading →

In His Own Words Chapter 3: Bats (The Sporting News)

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This is the third chapter in a nine-part series, excerpts from an interview(s) in the “The Chicago Chronicle” and “The Sporting News”, both appearing in the mid-late 1890s. This chapter is titled: “Bats”. The seminal interview of Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. appeared in The Sporting News on February 29, 1896. This is the only known first-hand account of Doc’s memories of the game. Similar interviews (or excerpts) began to appear in newspapers across the Midwest apparently originating in The Chicago Chronicle on June 23, 1895. He never talked about baseball. We have not one thing in the family, that Doc … Continue reading →

A Pitch For Doc Adams At Fleischmanns

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The weather was spectacular for the capstone of the “A Pitch For Doc Adams” series held at the historic M.A.C. Grounds at Fleischmanns Park in Fleischmanns, NY. The Vintage Base Ball community rallied behind long-overlooked baseball pioneer, Doc Adams, and his Hall of Fame case by hosting mid-19th century style base ball games to raise awareness of the many contributions of Daniel Lucius Adams, MD (aka “Doc”) to our National Pastime during its nascent period. The Mountain Athletic Club hosted the Polecats Vintage Base Ball Club featuring The Hamden Nine supported by ballists from Brickmakers Saugerties Vintage Base Ball Club … Continue reading →

Doc Adams Video Homage

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As we await the announcement of the 2025 Classic Baseball Era Ballot, it seems like a good time to post an homage to the good doctor. This video briefly highlights his contributions to the National Pastime, details his love of the game, and demonstrates the way he is embraced and honored by today’s fans and ballists. A more detailed presentation of Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. life can be found here More information can always be found at Doc Adams Base Ball.

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In His Own Words Chapter 2: Balls (The Chicago Chronicle)

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This is the second chapter in a nine-part series, excerpts from an interview(s) in the “The Chicago Chronicle” and “The Sporting News”, both appearing in the mid-late 1890s. This chapter is titled: “Balls”. The seminal interview of Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. appeared in The Sporting News on February 29, 1896. This is the only known first-hand account of Doc’s memories of the game. Similar interviews (or excerpts) began to appear in newspapers across the Midwest apparently originating in The Chicago Chronicle on June 23, 1895. He never talked about baseball. We have not one thing in the family, that Doc … Continue reading →

The Gotham And The Knickerbockers

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On October 18, 1853, the Gotham and the Knickerbockers played what was referred to “the finest and at one time the closest match, that has ever been played between the two clubs”. The game was played at the Red House Grounds (106 Street and Second Avenue, NY). Knickerbockers prevailed by a score of 21-14 with Doc Adams scoring 3 runs. Note that at the time, matches (games) were decided by scoring 21 ‘aces ‘, or runs. It wasn’t until 1857 (re: “The Laws of Base Ball“) that the length of the game was changed to nine equal innings, rather than declaring the first … Continue reading →