The National Association

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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 →

Doc Adams Appears on Hall Of Fame Ballot For The 1st Time

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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 →

Doc Umpires Deciding Fashion Race Course Game

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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.

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The Father of Baseball

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On August 16, 1898, Henry Chadwick wrote me responding to my letter congratulating him on the title of Father of Base Ball. Mr. Chadwick wrote: “That title of ‘Father of Base Ball’ is out of place. Base like Topsy ‘never had no fader’ it growed up.” Mr.Chadwick was being modest, however there were others who could share that title. The entire letter can be read here.

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The 22nd Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival

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The boys and girls of summer returned to Old Bethpage Village Restoration for the 22nd Annual Doc Adams Old Time Base Ball Festival. The festival has provided many great memories in recent years. It was a beautiful weekend. The air was filled with friendly chatter and smiles abounded. Players, both artists and muffins, and cranks alike had a great time. You can see some more photos here. Mark your calendar for next year’s event, August 1-2, 2020.

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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 →