We have previously shared Dr. Daniel Lucius Adams’ (Doc Adams) contributions during the New York Cholera epidemic of 1854. In his Our Game Blog on March 22, 2020, John Thorn (the official historian for MLB) provided much more context of the mid-1800s, New York epidemics in “Baseball in the Time of Cholera“.
Continue reading →In 1830, Doc enrolled in Amherst College. In 1833, he transferred to Yale College from which he graduated in 1835. Later that year, Doc entered Harvard Medical School and graduated in 1838. It was at Harvard that Doc made the acquaintance of Oliver Wendell Holmes (Sr.) where they roomed at the same boarding house. “Having nothing to do at Commencement, it will be a considerable saving of both time and money not to attend.” Daniel Lucius Adams, June 29, 1835
Continue reading →Doc Adams was mentioned in an 068 Magazine March/April 2022 article. The article, “A Stroll Through Time“, by Jack Sanders is about “one of Ridgefield’s most historic pieces of land. Treasured today as a place of recreation and relaxation, Ballard Park has for centuries been a home of noteworthy people who’ve contributed to not only the town but also the nation.” Here’s more on Doc Adams’ Ridgefield residence, the Ridgefield Savings Bank, and the Ridgefield Library.
Continue reading →The Ridgefield Library has a “Ridgefield Encyclopedia” online by Jack Saunders that contains information on more than 4,000 people, places and things relating to Ridgefield, Connecticut. Of course, the entry that we find most interesting is:
Continue reading →Although A.G. Spalding had ulterior motives, as we all now know, he did recognize the Knickerbockers, including Doc Adams. “Are not some of these gentlemen still living? Or perhaps some of their heirs might throw some light on the early history especially the origin of baseball.” . Salt Lake Tribune (April 2, 1905) Sadly, Daniel Lucius Adams, M.D. had died a little over 5 years earlier. Some people, however, did hear the call, and we know how that turned out. For Doc, this was the first of several miss-timed opportunities. Will Doc Adams be named on the Classic Baseball Era … Continue reading →
April 7, 1849, Doc Adams was elected to his third term as President of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club in New York City. The Club’s meeting was held at Abell’s, 474 Broadway. This was the last year of his first 3-year stint as president. In total, he served as president for 6 years.
Continue reading →Doc Adams was elected president of the Knickerbockers for the fourth time, winning an election held at the club’s April 5, 1856, meeting. This started his second 3-year stint as president. In total, he served as president for 6 years.
Continue reading →There’s a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, for a reputed figure in early baseball history. His name is Alexander Cartwright. He is credited for making the bases 90 feet apart, establishing nine innings as a game, and nine players for a team. He is also credited with spreading baseball throughout the United States when he left New York on his way to Hawaii. These are wonderful contributions for the man credited as The Father of Baseball. However, even though he has a plaque in the Baseball HOF, he is not the person responsible for … Continue reading →
Kevin Baker’s book “The New York Game” details “baseball and the rise of a new city”. There can’t be a discussion about New York and early baseball (or even just early baseball) without a mention of Doc Adams. Baker doesn’t disappoint. Although his book covers a wide range of history, Adams is mentioned, albeit it somewhat brief. While it can’t be said that there was any one father of Baseball, the best claim to paternity is held by Adams. Son of an outspoken abolitionist, graduate of Yle and Harvard, he was a general practitioner who spent much time treating the … Continue reading →
I received the latest copy of the official magazine of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Memories and Dreams (Opening Day 2024 Volume 46 Number 2), in the mail yesterday. The theme of this issue is “Dreaming Big, Amateur passion, baseball’s unyielding spirit.” Each issue is usually a fun easy read. Something in this issue caught my eye. Scott Pitoniak’s article “For The Love Of The Game” talks about how “amateur baseball has powered the National Pastime since its earliest days.” The article piqued my interest regarding what would be mentioned regarding the nascent amateur era – when Doc Adams … Continue reading →