On March 26, 1862, Doc tendered his resignation from the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club.

I shall not be able to attend the meeting of the Club this evening, and furthermore feel compelled to tender my resignation of membership.

I do this with great reluctance, but in accordance with a determination, long since formed, never to remain an inactive non-playing member. It will be impossible for me to play during the coming season, but although absent in body I shall be present in spirit. My interest in the Club will never cease, nor can I forget the many happy hours spent in communion with its members.

Please to accept for yourself and express to the Club my kindest regard.

Doc Adams Letter of Resignation From The Knickerbockers

James Whyte Davis, the KBBC secretary, accepted his resignation, replying:

I beg to acknowledge receipt of your note of 26 ult. tendering your resignation of the old Knickerbocker B. B. Club and that it was reluctantly accepted with great regret and you was unanimously elected an Honorary Member.

Permit me to add my personal regret of the necessity that induced such a course and tendering you my best wishes for your health and prosperity. I indulge the hope that the “spirit” you express of being with us always, may be accompanied by the body on the old Play Grounds.

James Whyte Davis’ Letter to Doc Adams

Doc was made an honorary member of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club and proclaimed the “Nestor of Ball Players“:

The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of the City of New York, desirous of placing of their high appreciation of their late associate and fellow member, Dr. D. L. Adams, and their sincere regret at his retirement from the Club, did at the annual meeting held March 26, 1862, appoint a committee to draft resolutions expressive of their feelings, and upon the report of said committee the following were unanimously accepted:

Resolved, that by the resignation of Dr. D. L. Adams, the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club has lost one of its most honored members: one who for a period of sixteen years in the performance of every duty whether at the bat or in the field, as our presiding officer, or represented in the National Association of Ball Players, or in the daily walks of life, has ever been faithful and uniformly proved himself the courteous high-minded gentleman, and the zealous advocate of our noble game.

Resolved, that to him as much if not more than any other individual member are the Knickerbockers indebted for the high rank their club has maintained since its organization, and we claim for him the honored title of “Nestor of Ball Players.

Resolved, that with unfeigned regret we yield to the imperative necessity that compels his withdrawal from the roll of our active members, and beg to assure him that in leaving us he carries with him our heartfelt wishes for his welfare, happiness and prosperity, and We cherish the hope often to be the recipients of the benefit of his good counsel and long experience.

Doc Adams’ “Nestor of Ball Players” Proclamation