On August 16, 1898, Henry Chadwick wrote to Doc Adams responding to Doc’s 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 are others who he could share that title with, including the good doctor.

For his role in making baseball the success it is, Doc Adams may be counted first among the Fathers of Baseball.

“Doc Adams“, SABR Bio Project, John Thorn