The Fly Game

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On August 10, 1859, the Knickerbockers played the Empires at Elysian Fields.It was the first game of the 1859 season between these two teams, however, it was not a regular match as they played “the fly game”. In the fly game, the ball must be caught “on the fly” to be an out rather on one bounce. The Knickerbockers won the contest 59-33. Doc Adams played “centre field”. He had 5 “Hands Lost” (a player was charged with a Hand Lost every time he made an out at bat or on the basepaths) but scored 5 runs. On an interesting … Continue reading →

Peverelly’s “American Pastimes”: 1847

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Doc Adams is mentioned often in Charles A. Peverelly’s 1868 book, “American Pastimes – Containing a History of the Principal Base Ball, Cricket, Rowing, and Yachting Clubs of the United States“. The Book of American Pastimes  is an American classic and one of the most significant baseball books ever written and is considered the first “official” baseball history in existence. 180 pages out of 556 are devoted to the game of baseball and team histories. It contains tough to find information regarding rosters and game scores during the 1850’s-60’s.  In 1847 Doc Adams is elected President of the Knickerbocker Base … Continue reading →

John Montgomery Ward On Baseball’s Origins

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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. From the preface: 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 … Continue reading →

Memories Of The Father Of Base Ball (Part 1)

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Buffalo, New York August 1939 Written by: Roger Cook Adams “During the present year when the centennial of the first out-break of base ball is being celebrated at Cooperstown, it may be of interest to record the important part played in the development of the game by an early member of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York.” … “The Knickerbockers were unquestionably the first organized base ball club, followed by the Gothams in 1850, and the Eagles of Brooklyn in 1852. Their membership was comprised of young lawyers, doctors, merchants, bank and insurance clerks and others who could … Continue reading →

The 24th Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival

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2021 marked the return of the Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival on July 31 – August 1 at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. In 2015, this longest running annual vintage base ball festival of its kind was renamed in honor of Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams. This year’s festival once again lived up its reputation as a must for baseball fans, history buffs, and anyone looking for a a day of outdoor fun. The weekend produced 2 top 10 weather days. Players, both artists and muffins, and cranks alike had a great time. Sadly, this was the first festival … Continue reading →

Petition Signatures Surpass 1,500

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Our petition to recognize Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams’s role as a founding father of our National Pastime has now garnered 1,500 signatures! The show of support via the petition demonstrates that we are successfully telling Doc Adams story. The intent of the petition is to demonstrate support for Hall of Fame recognition for an individual who independant historians view as an important founding father of our National Pastime.When this journey started, few had heard of the great doctor. Our hope is that Doc is recognized with enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Marjorie Adams had set a lofty … Continue reading →

Doc Adams – SABR’s Overlooked 19th Century Baseball Legend

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On July 31, 2014, Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams (1814 – 1899) was selected as the 19th Century Overlooked Baseball Legend by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). This recognition came in the bi-centennial of his birth. Each year SABR honors a 19th century player, manager, executive or other baseball personality not yet inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Adams joined the New York Base Ball Club in 1840. By 1845, he became a member of the famed Knickerbocker Base Ball Club and was elected as its president two years later. In 1848, he … Continue reading →

23rd Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Tournament This Weekend

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The 2021 Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball  Festival will take place next weekend, July 31 – August 1, at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. In 2015, this longest running annual vintage base ball festival was renamed in honor of Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams. The festival is a must for baseball fans, history buffs, and anyone looking for a a day of outdoor fun. Nancy Adams Downey, a great-granddaughter of Doc Adams, will be on-hand on Saturday. Last year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year’s installment looks to to be a return to form and is expected to … Continue reading →