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 →

Musing About Getting In The Hall On Classic Baseball Era Announcement Day

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Since today is the day that the 2025 Classic Baseball Era results will be released, the mind wanders to eternal question, “what if”? This was the day that we hoped to be waiting to hear if Doc Adams’ 164-year drought would end. Well, there’s no drama, we already know the answer. But one wonders what the chances of this pioneer getting elected in the future are. As of 2024, there are 346 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The Baseball Hall of Fame is one of the most exclusive clubs with only 1.6% of players ever receiving the … Continue reading →

Remembering Marjorie Adams And Her Great-Grandfather’s Appearance On A HOF Ballot

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Today would have been Marjorie Adams’ 75th birthday. Marjorie’s tireless efforts to spread the story of her great-grandfather, Doc Adams, enlightened and inspired many baseball fans. Marjorie conducted a campaign to educate people on Doc’s role as a pioneer of our National Pastime and his importance to baseball’s survival and growth during its nascent period. Her goal was to see him recognized with long overdue enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. She made many ‘baseball’ friends, particularly in the vintage base ball community. She is greatly missed. When talking about Doc, Marjorie often said that “she has all … Continue reading →

The National Association

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When the Knickerbockers met on December 6, 1856, they resolved “to call a convention of the various base ball clubs of this city and vicinity.” The New York Herald, in reporting on this meeting, observed: “We understand the object of this convention is to promote additional interest in base ball playing, by the getting up of grand matches on a scale not heretofore attempted.” The anticipated outcome would be to inaugurate new clubs and to strengthen existing ones, by conforming the rules and making the game more “scientific” and difficult to play—”manly,” in the preferred term of the day, like … Continue reading →

Birth Of The National Association Of Base Ball Players

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In Francis C. Richter’s (editor of Sporting Life) book, “Richter’s History and Records of Base Ball” written in 1914, is a comprehensive work among the early books on baseball. This volume is designed to supply the growing need of a concise, yet complete, record of our National Game, from its remote inception and humble beginning to the present period of magnificent development to real national stature. It is also designed to serve this purpose in such form as to make it valuable, possibly indispensable, as a book of special information, of ready reference, and of general interest to all lovers … Continue reading →

The American National Game Of Base Ball (1856)

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The December 6, 1856 issue of Porter’s Spirit of the Times provided a season wrap-up of sorts including a description of the pioneer Knickerbocker Base Ball Club and its ballists. Of course, this includes a shorts capsule of the good doctor. The principal players in the club, and have usually composed their ‘First Nine’, … Adams, as short field has for many years, been deservedly distinguished. Excellent as a catcher and probably the most accurate thrower in any club. A ball sent by him to first base rarely fails in proving fatal to the runner. He strikes with great force, … Continue reading →

Roger Ratzenberger Summarizes Doc Adams’ Hall Of Fame Case

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This is a Reader’s Digest version of Doc’s Hall of Fame case with linked references. Just a note on this summary. Although Official Historian of MLB never takes a position on who should be in the Hall of Fame, we appreciate that he shared our post. We strive to share verified, factual information and material from respected baseball historians, authors, and writers to raise awareness about Doc Adams and his strong Hall of Fame case. My wife, Cathy, and I have enjoyed the Dr. Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams journey we’ve been on for the last thirteen years and would like … Continue reading →

Should Doc Adams Be In The Hall Of Fame? Of Course!

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The response to the initial “Of Course” video was so great and so many great videos had been submitted that the folks responsible for it decided to compile a second one. Enjoy! As was explained previously, the vintage base ball community is rallying behind Doc Adams this year. Teams around the country sponsored “A Pitch For Doc Adams” events this year to honor Adams and raise awareness of his role as a baseball pioneer among ballists and cranks alike. As teams have been holding these events, some recorded and submitted clips about Doc Adams’ Hall of Fame case. These clips … Continue reading →