As awareness of Doc Adams continues to grow, his name is turning up in more and more books, publications, articles, podcasts, etc. Madeline Goodstein’s “Sports Science Projects: The Physics Of Balls In Motion” is another unexpected example. This book is filled with exciting and amazing experiments, an illuminating guide reveals how sports can be scientific by examining baseballs, golf balls, footballs, ping-pong balls, and more. It also highlights some of Doc Adams’ contributions to the game.

The ball used was so light that it could not be thrown far. In the 160s, Doc Adams remedied this by having a horsehide cover made for the ball. He stuffed it with 3 to 4 oz of rubber cuttings, wound the cuttings with yarn, and then covered it with the leather. Today the ball is still made with layers, according to the old practice.

Sports Science Projects: The Physics Of Balls In Motion, Madeline Goodstein