Tag Archives: #bbhof

A Pitch For Doc Adams

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The Vintage Base Ball community is raising awareness of baseball pioneer, Doc Adams, and his Hall of Fame case. Clubs across the country will host mid-19th century style base ball games to raise awareness of the many contributions of baseball pioneer Daniel Lucius Adams, MD (aka “Doc”) to our National Pastime during its nascent period. The events, dubbed “A Pitch for Doc Adams”, are one of several types being planned throughout the year by vintage base ball teams across the U.S. Each event seeks to draw attention to Doc Adams – a long-overlooked and forgotten baseball legend – who played … Continue reading →

Doc Adams Base Ball Biography (Base Ball Player)

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

“I used to play shortstop, and I believe I was the first to occupy it as it had formerly been left uncovered.”¹ Doc is credited with creating the position of shortstop in 1849/50 because the very light-weight balls would not carry into home base from being tossed from the outfield. “The advent of the short fielder, or shortstop…was a radical development and distinct innovation…however, when Adams first traipsed out to a spot between and beyond second and third bases, it was not to bolster the infield but to assist in relays from the outfield. The early Knickerbocker ball [that Doc … Continue reading →

Doc Adams Base Ball Biography (Baseball Pioneer)

Doc Adams Base Ball (Official) Posted on by

Daniel came to New York in 1839, set-up his medical practice and began playing base ball, although it is known he was playing some form of “bat and ball” as early as 1832 (See, The Early Years) at his home in New Hampshire, probably the Massachusetts game or Town Ball.  “I was always interested in athletics, while in college and afterward and soon after coming to New York, I began to play base ball….”¹ The New York game was played by young lawyers, doctors, merchants, bank clerks and others who could leave New York twice a week at 3:30 pm. … Continue reading →

Doc Adams Base Ball Biography (Preface)

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For the next several weeks, we will recount Doc’s base ball (yes, it was two words when Doc played) biography to provide more information to those who may wonder who this 19th century Doctor was and why it is unconscionable that he is not being considered for enshrinement in baseball’s “hallowed hall”. Before we get into his base ball career next week, we’ll start with a preamble of his early life in his post. Daniel Lucius Adams was born in Mont Vernon, New Hampshire on November 1, 1814 to Dr. Daniel Adams MD and Nancy Mulliken.  It is not known … Continue reading →