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 and was the 1st real All-Star Series. It was also the 1st time admission was charged to watch a game. None other than Doc Adams of the Knickerbocker Club was selected to be the umpire for the third and deciding game of this first championship “series” between New York and Brooklyn. In the game, umpire Adams called non-swinging strikes, the first time that new rule was applied.

The second bane of Chadwick’s existence, in addition to swift pitching, was wild pitching. As early as 1858, umpires had been authorized to call strikes, but few did. The first reported instance of a strike being called on a good pitch was during the third game of the Fashion Race Course Series by umpire Doc Adams. Adams may have been a pioneer in regard to the shortstop position, but his lead was not followed in strike calling, and such an incident was rarely seen thereafter.

“Baseball’s First Inning: A History of the National Pastime Through the Civil War”, William J. Ryczek

The 1st game was held on July 20, 1858 and won by the New York team 22-15.

The 2nd game was played on August 17, 1858 and Brooklyn evened the series with a 29-8 victory.

The 3rd and deciding game, was played on September 10, 1858 and the umpire for this important game was none other than Doc Adams of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club.