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A Talk Rekindles The Debate Over Baseball’s Founders

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In its May 25, 2026 issue, The New Yorker published “Hall of Shame” (“Baseball’s Magna Carta Finds a New Home” online) by Ben McGrath. The article chronicled a presentation delivered by Frank Murray, former owner of Doc Adams’ handwritten “Laws of Base Ball”, at the Round Hill Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. McGrath recounts how Murray acquired the historic manuscript for approximately $12,000 in 1999 and traces its remarkable journey to its eventual sale for $3.26 million. The article also revisits the growing historical case for Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams and his pioneering role in the development and standardization of baseball. … Continue reading →

Quiz: Public Display Of The “Laws Of Base Ball”

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In 2016, Doc Adams’ handwritten “Laws of Base Ball” was re-discovered after being “lost” for 159 years since they were presented at the first baseball convention in 1857. The documents would be sold at auction for $3.26 million and subsequently being exhibited to the public on multiple occasions at multiple venues. Here are three questions about public displays of the “Laws of Base Ball”…

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Ridgefield Exhibit Traced Local Pastime in 1993

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An article “Exhibit Traces Local Pastime” by Brad Parks in the Ridgefield Press described a Ridgefield exhibit that detailed local ties to baseball. Of particular interest is that the exhibit included Doc Adams. Adams lived in Ridgefield from about 1865 to 1888 and was an active member of the community during that time, He was the first President of the Ridgefield Savings Bank, was involved on the Town School Committee (Board of Education), helped form the Land Improvement Association of Ridgefield, was a founder of the Ridgefield Library Association, was elected to the Connecticut State House of Representatives, and served … Continue reading →

The Rules Of Base Ball Coming In The Taking The Field Exhibit

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Doc Adams’ “Laws of Base Ball” will soon debut in the Hall of Fame’s “Taking the Field” exhibit, showcasing their historical significance. The unveiling is set for May 22, coinciding with the Memorial Day Weekend celebration. Visitors will learn about these foundational documents and their impact on baseball’s evolution.

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Still Time To Submit Video Shorts Supporting Doc Adams

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Hi all, just a reminder that we’re still looking for more videos. So, if you’re a Doc Adams supporter, take a minute to record one and send it to us (click here). Thanks for your support. While enjoying the festivities at the Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival this past weekend, several folks mentioned they liked the videos we did last year. All of which can be found on our Multimedia page. It was a bit hectic pulling them together last year while we were focusing on raising awareness about Doc Adams during a ballot year. A lot of … Continue reading →

Calling For Video Shorts Supporting Doc Adams

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While enjoying the festivities at the Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival this past weekend, several folks mentioned they liked the videos we did last year. All of which can be found on our Multimedia page. It was a bit hectic pulling them together last year while we were focusing on raising awareness about Doc Adams during a ballot year. A lot of folks helped make those videos possible. Their time and efforts were greatly appreciated. So, a thought came to mind about starting to pull together videos in advance of Doc Adams’ next ballot appearance opportunity. He will … Continue reading →

Baseball Hall of Fame Needs More Pioneers

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In the introduction to a guest post by Jamie Selko on the Our Game blog, John Thorn, the Official Historian of Major League Baseball, mentions his opinion on Doc Adams. I am on the record for stating my belief that the Baseball Hall of Fame has enough nineteenth-century players, and that what it needs is more pioneers, namely Doc Adams, Al Reach, and Jim Creighton. But if there is a case to be made for more early players, my friend Jamie Selko makes it simply yet brilliantly, below. The post, “Getting the Short (Season) Shrift”, is an interesting read.

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Dick Allen and Dave Parker Elected To The Hall Of Fame

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Congratulations to Dick Allen and Dave Parker for being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. They were elected via the Classic Baseball Era Committee which includes everyone pre-1980 (covering 120+ years). The 2 played after 1963 and 1973 respectively. It took Allen 20 times on the ballot to get elected and Parker 18 times. They both have had a long wait; however, not as long as Doc Adams. It’s been 162 years since Doc Adams retired and he is still waiting to appear on a ballot for the 2nd time. This, even though he missed election by 2 … Continue reading →

Countdown To The 2025 Classic Baseball Era Ballot

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The mystery of who will be on the 2025 Classic Baseball Era ballot will be solved on Monday, November 4. Stay tuned as we anxiously await release of the ballot on Monday, Our fingers are crossed as we hope to see Doc Adams appear on a Hall of Fame ballot for the 2nd time and hope this is the year… Dec. 8: Hall of Fame’s Classic Baseball Committee results The Hall of Fame’s Classic Baseball Committee voting results will be announced during an MLB Network broadcast. The Hall of Fame announced several changes to their Era Committee voting structure two years … Continue reading →