Last year, Bing, introduced a new web search engine that can help you find information and answers on the internet. It is a web search engine that can also chat with you and generate various types of content such as poems, stories, code and more. It uses Artificial Intelligence techniques to understand your queries and provide relevant and engaging responses. The reason I’m talking about this is that I decided to take it for a test drive with no other topic than Doc Adams. Some results have been questionable. I debated with it as to whether Doc Adams had ever pitched until it finally admitted it was wrong and that he hadn’t. Overall, it isn’t perfect, but it did a reasonably good job. Those results could be found here.

This year I decided to ask the latest iteration of the tool some questions to see if it has learned anything. The questions are related to Doc’s eligibility for the 2025 Classic Baseball Era ballot this year. It is by no means perfect; however, it’s hard to disagree with its sentiments.

Roger: Please provide a detailed biography of Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams. 

Bing: Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams (November 1, 1814 – January 3, 1899) was an American baseball player and executive who is regarded by historians as an important figure in the sport’s early years [1]. 

Early Life and Education Adams was born in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire on November 1, 1814 [4]. He attended Amherst College and Yale University as an undergraduate before moving on to Harvard Medical School [3]. After graduating from Yale in 1835 and Harvard Medical School in 1838, Adams returned to New Hampshire to practice medicine with his father [4]. 

Career in Baseball Adams began playing bat and ball games in the early 1830s [4]. He first played for the New York Base Ball Club in 1840 and started his Knickerbockers career five years later [1]. Researchers have called Adams the creator of the shortstop position, which he used to field short throws from outfielders [1]. In addition to his playing career, Adams manufactured baseballs and oversaw bat production; he also occasionally acted as an umpire [1]. 

From 1847 to 1861, the Knickerbockers selected Adams as their president six times, and as a vice president, treasurer, or director in six other years [1]. As president of the club, Adams was an advocate of rule changes in baseball that resulted in nine-man teams and nine-inning games [1]. When the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) was formed in 1858, he led the rules and regulations committee of the new organization [1]. 

Later Life In 1865, Adams left medicine and later became a bank president and member of the Connecticut legislature [1]. He and his wife had five children [1]. 

Adams passed away on January 3, 1899, in New Haven, Connecticut [1]. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/10/2024 

1. Doc Adams – Wikipedia 
2. SABR 44: Doc Adams selected as Overlooked 19th Century Baseball Legend … 
3. Who is Doc Adams, baseball’s new-old dad? – SFGATE 
4. Doc Adams – Society for American Baseball Research 

Roger: How significant were Doc Adams contributions to the game of baseball? 

Bing: Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams’ contributions to baseball were indeed significant. Here are some of the key ways he shaped the sport: 

1. Creation of the Shortstop Position: Adams is credited with creating the shortstop position [1] [4]. This position was crucial for fielding short throws from outfielders [1]. 
2. Standardization of Equipment: Before the mass production of baseball equipment, Adams helped standardize the game’s tools. He learned how to make balls and bats for the Knickerbockers and later for other clubs [2]. 
3. Leadership in Baseball Organizations: Adams served as the president of the New York Knickerbockers multiple times and led the rules and regulations committee of the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) [1]. His leadership roles allowed him to influence the development of the sport. 
4. Advocacy for Rule Changes: As president of the Knickerbockers, Adams advocated for rule changes that resulted in nine-man teams and nine-inning games [1]. These changes have had a lasting impact on how the game is played today. 
5. Influence on Early Baseball: Adams nurtured baseball in its formative years and guided the sport through its early development [3]. His efforts earned him the title of the “Father of Baseball” by many [2]. 

In summary, Adams’ contributions were pivotal in shaping baseball into the sport we know today. His influence can be seen in the rules, equipment, and structure of modern baseball. His legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated in the baseball community [2]. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/10/2024 

1. Doc Adams – Wikipedia 
2. Doc Adams – BR Bullpen – Baseball-Reference.com 
3. Doc Adams helped shape baseball’s earliest days 
4. Meet the American who is the ‘true father of baseball,’ New York City … 

Roger: Do Adams’ contributions warrant his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a pioneer? 

Bing: The question of whether Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams’ contributions warrant his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a pioneer is subjective and depends on various factors. However, it’s clear that his contributions to the sport were significant and have had a lasting impact on the game. 

Adams has been recognized by many as a pioneering force in baseball’s early years [2]. He was one of the 10 finalists on the Pre-Integration Committee ballot at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum [2]. Despite this, as of the latest information available to me, he has not yet been inducted [1]. 

Supporters of Adams’ induction argue that his creation of the shortstop position, standardization of equipment, leadership in baseball organizations, and advocacy for rule changes were pivotal in shaping baseball into the sport we know today [2]. They believe these contributions merit recognition in the Hall of Fame [1]. 

However, the final decision rests with the voting members of the Pre-Integration Committee at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum [2]. They consider a variety of factors, including a candidate’s contributions to the game, their influence during their era, and their overall impact on the sport. 

In conclusion, while there is a strong case for Adams’ induction into the Hall of Fame as a pioneer, the final decision is made by the committee. It’s worth noting that recognition in the Hall of Fame is just one of many ways to honor Adams’ significant contributions to baseball. His legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated in the baseball community [2]. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/10/2024 

1. Doc Adams helped shape baseball’s earliest days – Baseball Hall of Fame 
2. Doc Adams Represented At The Hall Of Fame Induction 
3. Doc Adams: 19th Century Ballplayer, 21st Century Hall of Famer? 
4. 2016 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting – Wikipedia 

Roger: The Pre-integration Committee vote came up two votes short of election. Subsequently, Adams’ handwritten ‘Laws of Baseball’ were rediscovered. However, even with this seminal artifact that the Official Historian of MLB, John Thorn, referred to as “the Magna Carta of Baseball”, the next time he was considered, in 2021, by the Early Baseball Era Committee, he failed to even be named on the ballot. With a strong case for election, hw is this possible? 

Bing: The process of selection for the National Baseball Hall of Fame is complex and involves various committees and voting procedures. In the case of Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams, despite his significant contributions to baseball and the rediscovery of his handwritten ‘Laws of Baseball’, he was not named on the 2021 Early Baseball Era Committee ballot [1]. 

There could be several reasons for this: 

1. Changes in Voting Procedures: The Hall of Fame has changed its rules for election multiple times. For instance, in 2016, the Pre-Integration Era Committee was replaced by the Early Baseball Era Committee, which first convened in 2021 [2]. These changes can affect who is considered and when. 
2. Competition for Ballot Space: The ballot for the Early Baseball Era Committee encompasses over 125 years of baseball history and includes a vast number of players. This can lead to stiff competition for the limited spots on the ballot [1]. 
3. Timing and Circumstances: The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the opportunity for Adams to be considered until 2022 [2]. Additionally, the rediscovery of Adams’ ‘Laws of Base Ball’ occurred between elections, which may have affected the timing of his consideration [1]. 
4. Subjectivity of the Process: The selection process involves subjective judgments by the committee members, who consider a variety of factors, including a candidate’s contributions to the game, their influence during their era, and their overall impact on the sport [1]. 

While Adams’ omission from the 2021 ballot was disappointing for his supporters, the good news is that under the new rules, he will be eligible for the 2025 ballot on the new Classic Baseball Era ballot [2]. Despite the challenges, many continue to advocate for his induction in recognition of his substantial contributions to baseball [1] [2]. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/10/2024 

1. Reflections On The 2022 Early Baseball Era Committee Ballot 
2. Our Petition – Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) 
3. Doc Adams Left Off Early Baseball Era Ballot 

Roger: With the restructuring of the Era Committees, the odds of being elected via the Classic Era Committee have become more challenging than with the previous Early Baseball Era Committee. What is the likelihood that he would be elected this time? 

Bing: Predicting the likelihood of Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams being elected by the Classic Era Committee is challenging due to the subjective nature of the selection process. The decision is made by a committee of voters who consider a variety of factors, including a candidate’s contributions to the game, their influence during their era, and their overall impact on the sport [1] [2]. 

The restructuring of the Era Committees has indeed made the election process more challenging [2]. The Classic Baseball Era Committee encompasses a larger time frame than its predecessor, the Early Baseball Era Committee, which means there is more competition for the limited spots on the ballot [2]. 

Despite these challenges, Adams has a strong case for election. His significant contributions to baseball, including the creation of the shortstop position, standardization of equipment, leadership in baseball organizations, and advocacy for rule changes, are well-documented [1] [2]. The rediscovery of his handwritten ‘Laws of Base Ball’, referred to as “the Magna Carta of Baseball” by the Official Historian of Major League Baseball, John Thorn, provides tangible primary evidence of his influence on the game [2]. 

However, the final decision rests with the voting members of the Classic Baseball Era Committee [2]. It’s worth noting that recognition in the Hall of Fame is just one of many ways to honor Adams’ significant contributions to baseball. His legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated in the baseball community [1] [2]. 

In conclusion, while there is a strong case for Adams’ induction into the Hall of Fame, the final decision is made by the committee. The outcome is uncertain and will be eagerly awaited by many in the baseball community [2]. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/10/2024 

1. Doc Adams helped shape baseball’s earliest days 
2. Reflections On The 2022 Early Baseball Era Committee Ballot 
3. Election Opportunity Delayed Again – Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) 

Roger: Since the Hall of Fame’s mission includes “Honoring, by enshrinement, those individuals who had exceptional careers, and recognizing others for their significant achievements.”, what could be the justification for him not being a member? 

Bing: I think that there is no valid justification for not including Doc Adams as a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was a pioneer who played a vital role in the development and evolution of the game, and he deserves to be recognized and honored for his contributions. However, I also understand that the Hall of Fame induction process is complex and subjective, and that there may be different opinions and perspectives on who should be elected. I respect the views of the committee members and the voters, and I hope that they will give Doc Adams a fair and thorough evaluation. He was a leader and a legend who helped shape the game we love today.

Despite Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams’ significant contributions to baseball, he has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame [1] [2]. Here are some possible reasons: 

1. Subjectivity of the Process: The selection process involves subjective judgments by the committee members, who consider a variety of factors, including a candidate’s contributions to the game, their influence during their era, and their overall impact on the sport [1] [2]. 
2. Competition for Ballot Space: The ballot for the Early Baseball Era Committee encompasses over 125 years of baseball history and includes a vast number of players. This can lead to stiff competition for the limited spots on the ballot [2]. 
3. Changes in Voting Procedures: The Hall of Fame has changed its rules for election multiple times. For instance, in 2016, the Pre-Integration Era Committee was replaced by the Early Baseball Era Committee, which first convened in 2021 [2]. These changes can affect who is considered and when. 
4. Timing and Circumstances: The timing of the rediscovery of Adams’ ‘Laws of Base Ball’ occurred between elections, which may have affected the timing of his consideration [1] [2]. 

While these factors might provide some insight, the exact reasons for Adams’ exclusion from the Hall of Fame are not publicly stated. It’s worth noting that recognition in the Hall of Fame is just one of many ways to honor Adams’ significant contributions to baseball. His legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated in the baseball community [1] [2]. 

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/10/2024 

1. Krell: The Hall of Fame case for Doc Adams 
2. Delayed but not defeated: Marjorie Adams, Doc Adams, and the Hall of Fame 
3. 10 good Hall of Fame candidates most MLB fans have never heard of 
4. http://thesportspost.com/baseball-history-hof-case-doc-adams/ 
5. https://sabr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/research-collection4_350x300.jpg 

Roger: How can you have a National Baseball Hall of Fame without Doc Adams as a member? 

Bing: Your sentiment is shared by many supporters of Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams. His significant contributions to the early development of baseball, including the creation of the shortstop position, standardization of equipment, and advocacy for rule changes, are well-documented and have had a lasting impact on the sport. 

However, the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s selection process is complex and involves various committees and voting procedures. Despite the strong case for Adams’ induction, the final decision rests with the voting members of the respective Era Committee. 

It’s worth noting that recognition in the Hall of Fame is just one of many ways to honor Adams’ significant contributions to baseball. His legacy continues to be recognized and celebrated in the baseball community. 

The debate over Adams’ exclusion from the Hall of Fame highlights the ongoing discussions about how best to recognize and honor the pioneers and contributors to the sport of baseball. It’s a reminder of the rich history of the game and the many individuals who have shaped it. 

Roger: I agree with your point that the Hall of Fame is just one of the many ways to honor Adams; however, the Hall of Fame represents the pinnacle of the sport and should recognize and honor pioneers that helped build and foster the development of baseball. Although he is celebrated in many other ways, awareness of him and his accomplishments are limited. Former commissioner Bud Selig still believed Abner Doubleday “invented” baseball. There are still many who believe Alexander Cartwright brought us 9 men to a side, 9 innings, and 90-foot basepaths. 

Bing: I understand your perspective and it’s a valid point. The National Baseball Hall of Fame indeed represents the pinnacle of recognition in the sport of baseball. It’s a place where the most significant contributors to the sport are honored, and as such, many believe that pioneers like Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams should be included. 

The history of baseball is complex and multifaceted, with many individuals contributing to its development over time. While Abner Doubleday and Alexander Cartwright have often been credited with certain aspects of the game, recent research and historical documents, like Adams’ ‘Laws of Base Ball’, have shed light on the significant contributions of others, like Adams himself. 

Raising awareness about these contributors and their impact on the game is an ongoing process. It involves not only institutions like the Hall of Fame but also historians, researchers, fans, and others who care deeply about the sport and its history. 

Your advocacy for Adams and others like him plays a crucial role in this process. By engaging in discussions like this one, you’re helping to broaden the narrative about baseball’s origins and development, and to ensure that those who contributed to the sport are recognized and remembered. Thank you for sharing your insights and passion for the history of baseball. It’s conversations like these that keep the rich history of the sport alive and evolving.