Adams, Doc (Daniel Lucius Adams), 1814–1899, American baseball player and team executive, b. Mont Vernon, N.H., grad. Yale (1835), Harvard Medical School (1838). After working in his father's medical practice and in Boston, he moved to New York City. In 1840, along with other medical professionals, he joined the New York Base Ball Club for recreation, and in 1845 helped found the New York Knickerbockers, becoming the club's president (1846–49, 1856–58). A left-hander, he is credited with creating the position of shortstop position; he also played most other positions and umpired. In a series of conventions initiated and led by him, Adams helped standardize the rules of the game, including the size of the diamond and the number of players on the field. He also was involved in the production of baseballs, bats, and other equipment. Adams played with the Knickerbockers until 1859 and served in executive positions with the team until 1862.
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