Doc Adams Passed Away 122 Years Ago
January 3, 1899, Doc Adams passed away at the age of 85 at his home in New Haven, Connecticut. In his years playing base ball (1845-1862) in New York City with the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club), he created and developed the shortstop position (1849/50), made all the balls and supervised the manufacture of all the bats. In 1857, in his ‘Laws of Base Ball’, he set the bases at 90 feet, and proposed nine innings/nine players per side and more. You can find more of Doc’s obituaries here.
Continue reading →The National Association
By John Thorn, author, Baseball in the Garden of Eden 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 … Continue reading →
Happy 206th Birthday to Doc Adams!
Today marks Doc Adams’ 206th birthday! Hip-Hip-Huzzah! Hip-Hip-Huzzah! Hip-Hip-Huzzah!
Continue reading →The Gotham And The Knickerbockers
On October 18, 1853, the Gotham and the Knickerbockers played what was referred to “the finest and at one time the closest match, that has ever been played between the two clubs”. The Knickerbockers prevailed by a score of 21-14 with Doc Adams scoring 3 runs.
Continue reading →Doc Adams Appears on Hall Of Fame Ballot For The 1st Time
On October 5, 2015, Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time as the National Hall of Fame announced the 10 candidates on the 2016 Pre-integration Era ballot. This marked a major milestone in the efforts to have Doc recognized with enshrinement. For a more detailed announcement read DOC ADAMS HELPED SHAPE BASEBALL’S EARLIEST DAYS. Sadly, he came up 2 votes short for election. Doc will next be eligible for the ballot NEXT YEAR, for 2021 Induction! We are in the home stretch! Thanks for your continued support as we take this final step to achieve the final goal of getting Doc his … Continue reading →
1875 Knickerbocker Base Ball Club Reunion Game
On September 27, 1875, the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club held a reunion game between the 1855 and 1865 teams. The youngsters whitewashed the veterans by a score of 21-0.
Continue reading →John Patrick Martin All-Star Series of Northeast Historical Base Ball returns to Muzzy Field in Bristol, CT on Sunday September 20th
The John Patrick Martin All-Star Series of Northeast Historical Base Ball returns to Muzzy Field in Bristol, CT on Sunday September 20th. John Martin was an influential videographer at the New England Sports Network (NESN). Please watch this touching tribute to John, provided by NESN: Players and fans are encouraged to donate at their comfort to ccals.org at the request of the Martin family. The series will feature a Tripleheader of base ball in the style of 1864 beginning at 10am. Teams “Daniel” & “Lucius” signify Daniel Lucius “Doc” Adams of Mont Vernon NH. Adams is nominated to Major League Baseball’s Hall … Continue reading →
Doc Umpires Deciding Fashion Race Course Game
The Fashion Race Course games were played between All-Star teams (pick nines) comprised of the finest New York-area players versus the finest Brooklyn area players representing the 1st real All-Star Games. It was also the 1st time admission was charged to watch a game. The following is the box score from the 3rd and final game, played on September 10, 1858. The umpire for this important game was none other than Doc Adams of the Knickerbocker Club.
Continue reading →Jim Kaat, Former Teammates See Hall Of Fame Chances Pushed Back
In his article “Jim Kaat, former teammates see Hall of Fame chances pushed back” in the Holland Sentinal, Dan D’Addona talks about the implications of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s decision to delay this year’s Committee votes. Of particular interest is his reference to Doc Adams: The Early Days Era Committee is also on hold. Likely finalists from this group were pioneer Doc Adams, shortstop Bill Dahlen and Negro Leagues candidates Buck O’Neil, John Donaldson and more. The Early Days Era Committee will also meet next year.
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