On March 26, 1862, Doc tendered his resignation from the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, “… 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.” James Whyte Davis, the KBBC secretary, accepted his resignation, “I indulge the hope that the ‘spirit’ you express of being with us as always, may be accompanied by the body on the old Play Grounds. Playing commences on the 21st.” Doc was made an honorary member of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club and proclaimed the “Nestor of Ball Players“:

• “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.”