Buffalo, New York August 1939

Written by: Roger Cook Adams

“During the present year when the centennial of the first out-break of base ball is being celebrated at Cooperstown, it may be of interest to record the important part played in the development of the game by an early member of the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York.”

…

“The first five years of the existence of the Club were evidently the hardest. Enthusiasm waned and attendance lagged. There was no inter-club rivalry, and often Dr. Adams would go to Elysian Fields and find only two or three others present, compelling them to play ‘old cat, one or two as the case might be.'”

…

“The continued existence of the Club was evidently largely due to the persistent efforts of Dr. Adams. He loved the game and nothing was too much trouble if it would promote the interests of the Club. He was elected [Vice] president of the Knickerbockers the year after he became a member and served as long as he would retain the office. He took upon himself the job of making all the necessary balls and personally supervised the turning of the bats, for neither could be bought at that time.”

This is the 2nd installment of a 4-part series of extracts from Roger Cook Adams interview discussing his father, Daniel Lucius ‘Doc’ Adams. The 1st installment can be found here.