When Doc Adams retired from the Knickerbockers, he was immediately named an honorary member and presented with a set of resolutions thanking him for his long and meritorious service to the club.” This proclamation/resolution (The Nestor* of Ball Players) was presented to Doc as “a most gorgeously engrossed” scroll which was produced by Ben F. Brady. And so, Doc’s active participation in the game he loved and over which he had a significant and pioneering influence came to a close.
*A King of ancient Greece who advised the Greeks at Troy; a patriarch in his field, wise counselor, or leader.
In 1862, Adams stepped down from the Rules Committee post and resigned from the Knickerbockers. He left the legendary club as the most significant member in team history, membership that included Hall of Famer Alexander Cartwright. Upon his retirement, the Knickerbockers named him an honorary member of the club and presented him with a scroll that proclaimed him “Nestor of Ball Players.”
SABR 44: Doc Adams selected as Overlooked 19th Century Baseball Legend for 2014, SABR.org
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:
From Resolutions presented to Doc Adams by the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club upon his retirement
“The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of the City of New York desirous of placing on record 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 26th, 1862, appoint a committee to draft resolutions expressive of their feelings, and upon the report of said committee the following were unanimously adopted:
“Nestor of Ball Players” certificate presented to Doc Adams on his retirement from the knickerbocker Base Ball Club; prepared by ben. F. Brady
“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.
“The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of the City of New York desirous of placing on record 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 26th, 1862, appoint a committee to draft resolutions expressive of their feelings, and upon the report of said committee the following were unanimously adopted:
“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.”
James Whyte Davis, Secretary W. P. Bensel, President
Henry A. Thomas
Louis F. Belloni, Jr.
W. H. Tucker
Committee