The following are contemporary newspaper excerpts concerning Jack McAdams.
1908 Excerpts
"Another new [Atlanta] Cracker will come home with the team. The wires have it that the club has purchased of Argenta, of the Arkansas State League, wherever that is, a pitcher by the name of McAdams, the said McAdams costing real money. Welcome to our city, McAdams, and how do you like your peach tree?"1
"Bill [Smith] has bales of faith in his new pitching, McAdams. He stated that Mac is no green horn, but a seasoned slabman, and a good one at that; and that he believes he will make good in the Southern. Today the fans may get the opportunity of seeing both Smith and McAdams under fire."2
"Atlanta fans got their first look at our new pitcher, McAdams, yesterday. He is about 6 feet in height, a rangy chap, and looks the part. McAdams was considered the premier pitcher of the Arkansas State League. He has been with Argenta since the opening of the season, and during that time worked in twenty-seven games, won eighteen of them and dropped nine, getting an average of .667. The dope has it that he is strong in extra inning games. he figured in six during his stay in Argenta, and managed to get away with them all. In 1907 he was given a trial by Charley Babb, of Memphis, but then the Turtle manager did not consider him ripe for the Southern. However, he has made vast improvement since, and Billy Smith believes that he will prove the goods. McAdams is a native of Arkansas, his home place being Benton. His father has offered him an acre of land for every game he wins in the Southern League. Lay on, McAdams."3
"Pitcher McAdams was corralled while the team was in Little Rock, this twirler being the star of the Arkansas State League."4
"The family and friends of Jack McAdams, the pitcher Bill Smith yanked out of the Arkansas League, are pulling for their youngster to make good in the Southern. His father has offered him an acre of land near his home in Benton, Ark., for every game he wins in this league, and, besides this, he has the good will of his many friends in his home state. The Constitution has received two letters from relatives and friends of McAdams, and also a cut of the McAdams family, showing a group which is the largest ever taken in Saline, both as to total weight and total measurement. Here are the letters from Arkansas: "Benton, Ark., July 19, 1908. -The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga. -Gentlemen: Enclosed herewith find copy of a photo which shows some of the near relatives of Jack McAdams, the latest acquisition of the Atlanta baseball club. The picture is in itself an interesting one, from the unusual proportions of the parties therein, and may be of unusual interest to the Atlanta fans, as they note the development that may be looked for in Jack, and reflect upon the disaster that may overtake rival clubs who face this young giant after he really gets 'growed up.' "McAdams is now 20 years old, and got his first baseball experience at Benton and small surrounding towns, and soon became a local celebrity through his ability to throw a ball around a corner a block or two away, or make them look like birdshot as they sped over the plate. Naturally we are all interested in 'Mac,' and predict that it will not be long 'ere he will meet with further advancement in the baseball profession. "R.M. MERRILL" "Sporting Editor Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga. -Dear Sir: Under separate cover we are sending you a cut from which attached picture was made. "Reading from left to right the second man in this group is the father of the boy, Jack Mac, the pitcher Atlanta recently purchased from Argenta, Ark. Your readers may be doubly interested in this, as Mr. McAdams is an old Georgia boy, as is also C. O. Farabee, whose picture is one the extreme right. "The other boys in this group are cousins to Jack. "L.C. McAdams and C.O. Farabee were both raised at Harmony Grove, Ga., where you will find a number of people who knew them when they were boys. "Yours very truly, "C.W. LEWIS.""5
"Pitcher G. D. McAdams, of Argenta, the son of a wealthy planter near Benton, Ark., has been sold to the Atlanta Club. His father has promised him an acre of fertile farm land for every game he wins in the Southern League. McAdams comes from a family of giants. The senior McAdams weighs over 300 pounds and is nearly six feet tall. One brother is seven feet in height."6
1909 Excerpts
"Jack McAdams, the pitcher signed by Manager Brown [of the Spokane Club from] the Arkansas league, arrived in the city yesterday afternoon and left for Lewiston, where he will join the squad. The stranger is a six footer big enough to qualify for the police force and is an athletic looking sort of a fellow"7
"Big Jack McAdams, just purchased [by Butte] from the Argenta, [Ark.] club also showed good class in the box."8
1910 Excerpts
"Jack McAdams, pitcher on the Muskogee team, was today sold to the St. Louis Americans team for $1,100, according to the announcement made by Manager Larry Hoffman this afternoon. He will report at St. Louis at once. He is the second twirler on the local team purchased by the Browns, Robert Ray having been sold yesterday."9
"St. Louis offered $1,500 for Pitcher McAdams, but Waco secured him for $4.70. Which is another way of saying that Bates Simpsons and Brooks Gordon are some bargain drivers. McAdams is by no means a lemon. He is a first-class pitcher and has hurled nothing but splendid baseball since entering the Texas League. "Farmer" Ray and McAdams were teammates at Muskogee in the Western Association when the club began to wobble from a financial standpoint. The management of the St. Louis Browns offered President Tull $1,500 each for Ray and McAdams, the two star twirlers. Ray was sold, but Tull decided to give the other man to his friends at Waco for his railroad fare. This amounted to $4.70, the cost of a ticket from Muskogee to Oklahoma City."10
"McAdams, the Waco pitcher who will probably land in the big leagues next year, was purchased by Bates Simpson for $4.70. He was pitching for Muskogee until that team disbanded. Waco got him for the price of his transportation."11
1911 Excerpts
"McAdams was a welcome arrival in [the Dallas] camp yesterday. The big flinger is picked by the players to be the star of the pitching staff this year. He is from Benton, Ark., but played last year with Waco. Notwithstanding, McAdams was always a hard man to beat. While with Muskogee he was bought by the St. Louis Browns, but was never given a trial, and Gardner secured him and turned him over to Waco"12
"Jack McAdams, pitcher, lives at Benton, Ark. Age 23, weight 160"13
"It's pretty early in the season to begin to tout a youngster as a possible big league candidate, but the work of Jack McAdams of the Dallas team in his games against major league teams this season has directed the attention of major league magnates to him and it is very probably that both Chicago and New York will make an effort to get an option on this youngster. McAdams first claimed attention of the big leagues when he defeated the New York team by a score of 3-1. He pitched wonderfully steady ball in that game and was the second pitcher to defeat a New York team in an exhibition game during the four springs it has trained in Texas. On top of that, McAdams was sent against Chicago last Sunday and easily made the big leaguers bow to his pitching. When a minor league youngster comes along and strikes out fourteen hitters in the regular lineup of a major league team, and with minor league support, keeps that team from scoring on him for eight innings and then takes the game into extra sessions, he is entitled to some notice. Monday's Chicago papers had many good things to say about McAdams. It is the custom for these baseball war correspondents to minimize the efforts of a minor leaguer as much as possible, by way of showing their contempt for anything this side of the big leagues, but in this instance McAdams was so superior to the Chicageans that they had to say something nice. The following is from the Chicago Inter-Ocean's report of the game: "There was a tall young chap on the mound for the Dallas club who was certainly twirling in great style. The Sox couldn't do anything with him for a long time, and even when the 11th inning came around he was going strong. His name is McAdams, and one of these days that sterling moniker may be gracing the roster of some National or American League squad. He showed major league form and struck out fourteen of the Sox. Some performance, that." McAdams was with the Waco team last season, coming from the Muskogee team in the Western Association. He started with the Texas-Arkansas League with Pine Bluff and was then in the Arkansas State League. From there he went to Tacoma and then to the Muskogee club of the Western Association. While with the Muskogee, hedges of the St. Louis Browns offered to buy him conditionally, but W. L. Tull, who was disposing of players rapidly then, wanted to sell him outright."14
"Jack McAdams, who has been suspended for the season, arrived in Dallas yesterday. McAdams had but little to say of his suspension except that Maloney believes him to be guilty of violating the club discipline. He expects to remain in Dallas for a short while, but says he may go further north in order to recuperate from the malaria which has been troubling him lately."15
"Dallas may be deprived of the services of her star twirler for an indefinite length of time, according to a report reaching here this morning. It is said that Jimmie Maloney has suspended big Jack McAdams and may not let him back into the game for the rest of the season. The loss would be the limit. What the fans at home will think about the latest misfortune of the Giants remains to be seen."16
"Dallas has suspended her star, Jack McAdams . . . the tall youngster, a willing and ready worker, was ambitions in the springtime. He let himself out to the limit. Maloney saw he could win and sent him to the mound often. In Waco one afternoon he was allowed to pitch a double-header. This constant work, this overwork, began to tell on him. His physical condition became run down and soon the star fell a victim to malaria. Now Jack is in Dallas under a thirty-day suspension. He wants his unconditional release and it was reported in Houston yesterday that Gardner had given him his pink slip. That is denied, however."17
"Jack McAdams, who has been suspended for the season, left last night for Roswell, N.M. in the effort to improve his health. McAdams has been suffering from malaria for several weeks, and he believes it will be necessary for him to go to some other climate for a few weeks. He has notified secretary Miller of the Dallas Club of his intentions and says that when the Dallas Club wants him he will return to Dallas immediately."18
"The Giants, however, have eliminated McAdams, Maloney having suspended him for the season. This came as a distinct surprise, for McAdams is undoubtedly one of the very best players in the Texas League, and had been leading the league as a pitcher. He has been breaking training rules and has been the cause of much internal dissension in the team. He was too valuable a man to release, for he would have been snapped up by opposing clubs. For that reason Maloney has separated him from the payroll."19
"Dallas is having many offers for pitcher McAdams, recently suspended for the season, but all offers are being refused. The suspension was a matter of discipline as there is not a better pitcher in the league. Maloney says that if he cannot use McAdams he will not let any other Texas league team [use him]."20
"July 7. -Manager Bresnahan announced today that he had purchased Pitcher McAdams from the Dallas (Texas League) Club. He received notice today to report to Bresnahan. McAdams is a right-hander and is considered a great capture. McGraw of the New York Giants was after the Dallas star early in the season, but owner Gardner held the flinger for St. Louis. The purchase price has not been announced, but is said to be a pretty steep one."21
"Owner Gardner of the Dallas Giants, upon his return to Dallas yesterday, confirmed the sale of Pitcher McAdams to the St. Louis Americans, but did not disclose the figures of the deal. McAdams is at present at Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to report to the St. Louis club at once. Such instructions were sent to him, but yesterday afternoon no reply had been received."22
"Anniston, Ala., July 13. –Huntsville new mail order team, popularly known to the bleacher gods by this appellation, is about to get into trouble as a result of the rapid fight which the club has made since making an entry into the Southeastern after coming from the Western Association, Fort Smith, Ark., where they had a runaway. Those kicking are Decatur and Rome, while Gadsden may have a hand in the protests. The grievance which Decatur has against the club is that the Huntsville manager worked an outlaw pitcher against them, if it be true that “Allen” or McAdams is in this class. Allen is said to have skipped a contract after being suspended at Dallas, Tex., and after being located by the owning club it is said that he has been sold to St. Louis under his real name, McAdams. Due to this fact, Decatur has declared an intention of protesting all games in which Allen or McAdams took part. It is likely that Selma and Gadsden will take similar action"23
"Anniston, Ala., July 19. –It was announced here today that President O’Neil has sustained the protests filed by Managers Anderson of Selma and Hickman of Decatur on two games played with Huntsville in which the last named team won. The protests were based on the fact that Jack McAdams, a suspended Texas League pitcher, now with the St. Louis Cardinals was used in each game by Huntsville. Huntsville’s standing take quite a tumble as the result of throwing out the 2 games makes 3 games Huntsville will have to play over for using MacAdams. MacAdams, it is stated, was suspended by the Dallas club. Angered at this, it is said, he jumped the contract and joined the Huntsville team under the name of Allen. He had easy sailing and won every game he pitched. The Dallas management located him at Huntsville. President O’Neill was notified that he was an outlaw. Manager Riggs was warned not to work him. When the mountaineers came here "Allen" or MacAdams was not with the team. He had been sold by Dallas to the St. Louis Cardinals . . . Jack MacAdams, whose home is in Arkansas, started his baseball career in the Eastern Arkansas League, and at one time managed and pitcher for Marianna in that Organization. He was given a tryout by Memphis and Atlanta in the Southern league and went from the Southern to the major league where he enjoyed only a short, returning South, and finally drifting to the Dallas club in the Texas league." 24
"Chattanooga, Tenn., July 16. -If the Southeastern League fails, Pitcher McAdams, said to have been the legal property of Dallas, but pitching in the Southeastern under an assumed name, will be held responsible. McAdams literally burned a path through other clubs with his success in the box, and many protests were filed, following which McAdams made a sudden getaway. He pitched for Huntsville, Ala., and authorities say that if it is proven as charged that McAdams was sold by Dallas to St. Louis and that he stopped there under an alias that they are not to be blamed, as they did not know him and did not doubt him when he told them he was a free agent. McAdams, they say, will be punished."25
"McAdams is a pitching acquisition from Texas, whose recent disregard for base ball law came near getting him in trouble. He made a good showing with Dallas in the early season., but fell off in his work and was suspended. Then he migrated to the Southeastern League and played under an assumed named until his identity was disclosed by his sale to the Cardinals. This is not McAdams' first appearance in St. Louis. He is one of the great army of young ball players who have at some time or other been given trials with the Browns and then discarded. He began his base ball career in Arkansas, has played in the Western Association and the Southern League, as well as in the Texas circuit. His asset of supreme confidence in himself is something that may assist him in stickings with the big show this time, for lack of confidence by some youngsters who otherwise have "everything" is often the secret of failure."26
"McAdams really has some stuff in him, if he will settle down to delivering it. This is vouched for by a couple of Texas League magnates who were in St. Louis this past week . . . . J. W. Gardner, of Dallas, and Owner Morris Black of San Antonio."27
"Jack McAdams, sold from the Dallas Giants the past season to the St. Louis Americans, is back in Dallas for a few days visit with friends here. McAdams is considerably heavier than when he left and says he feels better than ever before in his life. "I had a successful season, as far as I had a chance," McAdams said. "I didn't make any great sort of show, but I think my work was all right as much as there was of it." McAdams has been purchased by the Springfield club of the Three I League and intend to report there for training at the proper time."28
1912 Excerpts
"Pitcher McAdam was purchased [by Newark] from the Springfielld (Ill.) Club, Roger Breshnahan giving the tip to Manager McGinnity. McAdams worked with Dallas last season, winning nine out of 15 games, his work attracting the Brooklyn and St. Louis National scouts. The latter club was the successful bidder, but later on released McAdams to Springfield. Sam Lichtenhein wanted the youngster for Montreal, but McGinnity had the inside track and beat the Royals president out. Since the deal was made Lichtenhein offered to trade catcher Hardy for the former Texas League twirler, and has also offered McGinnity more cash for McAdams services than the "Iron Man" paid to Springfield. Judging from reports, Newark has captured a valuable pitcher in McAdams."29
"Jack McAdams, star pitcher of the Texas League last year until bad health worsted him, will play with the Newark team of the International League this year. After McAdams was suspended Dallas for indifferent playing he went to Huntsville, Ala., and played independent ball. Bresnahan of the St. Louis Cardinals made an offer for him and he was reinstated. Later St. Louis turned him over to Springfield, Ill., and McGinnity of the Newark Club has purchased him. McGinnity has had several offers for him and expects him to be one of the best flingers on his circuit."30
"Roswell, N.M., Feb. 25. -Jack McAdams, the St. Louis Cardinal twirler, who has been spending the winter here, has received notice of his sale to the Newark club of the Eastern League, of which "Iron Man" McGinnity is owner and manager. McAdams was sold by the Dallas club to the Cardinals last summer for $3,000 and he worked in a number of games during the remainder of the season. He said he had not learned what Newark paid St. Louis for his release. McAdams has been assisting in the coaching the N.M.M.I. ball team for the last two weeks and says that he will at once go into heavy practice to prepare for the Newark's opening on March 18 at Peteresburg, Va."31
"Jack McAdams, secured by Galveston from Newark, is not showing anything like his old class."32
"Jack .McAdams, one time premier pitcher of the Texas League, and a recruit sent to Galveston from the "big show," who was expected to be a whirlwind around the circuit this season, but who has failed to make good, was the first to fall. McAdams was released Friday morning . . . "33
"President McGill announced this morning that Pitcher McAdams, who was with Dallas in the Texas league last year, has been ordered to report to the Denver club at Wichita today. McAdams won nine and lost six for the Dallas club last season and finished the year with the St. Louis Browns. He was not offered a contract this and was therefore free to sign with Denver. The new twirler, who is a right hander, will be given a tryout by Manager Hendricks, and if he shows well stands a chance of landing a regular berth."34
"Pitcher Jack McAdams, who appeared with the [Galveston] Pirates for a short time during the present season, is not nor ever was the property of the Galveston club, as intimated in the dispatch from Cincinnati which appeared in The News Tuesday morning. The dispatch stated that the national commission has ruled that McAdams must pay a personal dept of $70 to Pitcher Salle of the St. Louis Nationals of that he will be debarred from the game. McAdams came to Galveston from Newark, N.J. under an agreement that the purchase price paid for him should be returned did he not prove satisfactory. He did not prove satisfactory and he was turned back to Newark. Newark apparently did not think much of his ability and released him outright. He has since signed with Denver, Colo., and is now playing with that team."35
"Cincinnati, O., July 22. -Decision No. 923.-In re Claim of Player Sallee Against Player McAdams. Player H. F. Sallee, of the St. Louis National League team, complains that player McAdams, now with the Galveston Club, of the Texas League, to whom he loaned $70 in 1911, ignores his requests for a settlement. No reply having been received from the player to either notification of the filing of this complaint, forwarded to him through the office of Secretary Farrell, the Commission, construing his failure to submit a statement to be an acknowledgment of the debt, allows this claim and directs the Galveston Club to forthwith remit the amount to Secretary Bruce for transmission to player Sallee. If this order be not complied with on or before July 27, the player shall be ineligible to play with a club under the National Agreement from that date until the discharge of the debt. B. B. JOHNSON, T. J. LYNCH, AUG. HERRMANN, The National Commission."36
"Jack McAdams, formerly of the Dallas club, who finished the season of 1912 with the Denver club of the Western League, reached Dallas yesterday and will stop here a day or so en route to his home in Arkansas" 37
1913 Excerpts
"Pitcher McAdams, formerly with the [Dallas] Giants, but now signed with Walter Morris' [Fort Worth] Panthers, was in town yesterday. McAdams is having trouble with his salary wing so far this spring and has never got in condition. He intends, he says, to visit [trainer] Bonesetter Reese unless his arm gets right within the next few days. Otherwise the big flinger seems to be in perfect condition."38
"Jack McAdams umpired yesterday's game between T.C.U. and Trinity at Waxahachie . . . "39
"McAdams, formerly of Dallas, who joined the team today, was out of condition and [did not start] . . . The Drillers left last night for Texarkana where McAdams will probably make his debut."40
"McAdams is with the St. Louis outlaws."41
1914 Excerpts
"McAdams has been having trouble with his salary wing, but if his arm rounds into form there is but little question but what he can deliver the goods [for Waterloo]"42
"The visitors also seemed to take a little more kindly to the offerings of McAdam, a new importation [by Mason City] from Waterloo"43
"July 17.—Pitcher Jack McAdams, a former Texas League star was sent in to pitch for Austin today, but his old teammates, the Dallas Giants forced him to retire after three and two-third Innings and won the last game of the series with the Austin club 8 to 4. Friedland relieved McAdams, but his showing was anything but impressive"44
"McAdams, well known locally, having once upon a time been a member of the Dallas club, broke into the league again yesterday and appeared in the humble, though entirely honorable, uniform of the [Austin] Senators. Moran nominated him for slab duty, but three and two-thirds stanzas, characterized by lack of control and anything that looked at all mystifying to the home guard, terminated his administration, and he was derricked and one Friedland was substituted."45
1915 Excerpts
" . . . J.D. McAdams, who has seen service in the Texas League, but who did not play last season following an injury sustained while training with the St. Louis Cardinals. McAdams is the first of the [Shreveport] Gassers' contingent to arrive in Shreveport for spring training, having come here a few days ago from his home in Benton, Ark."46
"McAdams as a pitcher is a dead issue. He was signed by the [Fort Worth] Panthers last spring and given a tryout. His arm was entirely gone and he was never able to toss the ball within ten feet of the plate. If he comes back it will be an eighth wonder of the world."47
"Jack McAdams, the tall right-hander, is rather slow in rounding to form, but Garvin Feels that he will come around all right with a little more rest."48
"The signing of McCuller was followed by the release of Jack D. McAdams, who was the first to report here for practice. McAdams is a willing working and has the promise of a good career, but his arm, which kept him out of the game last season, is not yet fully recovered, due, no doubt, to the bad weather."49
"A dispatch last night from Shreveport, where the [Chicago] Whales trained, had it that Jack McAdams, a pitcher tried out by the Shreveport Texas leaguers, was on his way here to join Joe Tinker’s club. Maybe he is, but Weeghman doesn’t know anything about it. If Mr. McAdams arrives he may find himself out the price of his railroad fare from the south, for there is no berth waiting him on the local team."50
"Jack McAdams, formerly of the Bears, is in town and is open for some out-of-town job. Answer thru these [columns]."51
"Pitcher McAdams, who was with the Denver Bears in 1912, is working with the Sullivan & Hoffers. He pitched a good game for them last Sunday against the Zoos." 52
Obituary
"George D. J. (Jack) McAdams, former pitcher who had trials with both St. Louis clubs and worked for many teams in the minors, died at San Francisco, Cal., May 21. He was 49 years old and is survived by the widow and two sisters. McAdams broke in with Argenta of the Arkansas League in 1908, and, after trials with Memphis and Atlanta in 1909, finished the season with Mariana, Ark. He was with Muskogee and Waco in 1910, going to the St. Louis Browns in the middle of the season and was sent to Dallas the next year, the Texas League club sending him to the St. Louis Cardinals, by whom he was released to Springfield, Ill. Subsequently, he was with St. Paul, Newark, Denver, Sioux City and Fort Worth, and umpired, in the Texas-Oklahoma League in 1913, in the Mississippi League in 1921 and the Cotton States circuit in 1924."53
"George D. McAdams, aged fifty years, a native of Saline county, and formerly a pitcher for the St. Louis National League team, died in a hospital at San Francisco Calif., May 21. He was an employee of the Missouri Pacific railroad, a member of the Methodist Church and Woodmen of the world. On May 25th funeral services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. C. W. Lewis by the Rev. Harold D. Sadler of Benton and Rev. S.K. Burnett of Bauxite. Burial was in Bryant Cemetery. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Lewis of Benton and Mrs. M.W. Martin of Little Rock. Jack McAdams was well known in Benton twenty or more years ago, having played baseball here and later on state league teams and the St. Louis Cardinals. He will be kindly remembered by friends and baseballites with whom he was formerly associated."54
1908 Excerpts
"Another new [Atlanta] Cracker will come home with the team. The wires have it that the club has purchased of Argenta, of the Arkansas State League, wherever that is, a pitcher by the name of McAdams, the said McAdams costing real money. Welcome to our city, McAdams, and how do you like your peach tree?"1
"Bill [Smith] has bales of faith in his new pitching, McAdams. He stated that Mac is no green horn, but a seasoned slabman, and a good one at that; and that he believes he will make good in the Southern. Today the fans may get the opportunity of seeing both Smith and McAdams under fire."2
"Atlanta fans got their first look at our new pitcher, McAdams, yesterday. He is about 6 feet in height, a rangy chap, and looks the part. McAdams was considered the premier pitcher of the Arkansas State League. He has been with Argenta since the opening of the season, and during that time worked in twenty-seven games, won eighteen of them and dropped nine, getting an average of .667. The dope has it that he is strong in extra inning games. he figured in six during his stay in Argenta, and managed to get away with them all. In 1907 he was given a trial by Charley Babb, of Memphis, but then the Turtle manager did not consider him ripe for the Southern. However, he has made vast improvement since, and Billy Smith believes that he will prove the goods. McAdams is a native of Arkansas, his home place being Benton. His father has offered him an acre of land for every game he wins in the Southern League. Lay on, McAdams."3
"Pitcher McAdams was corralled while the team was in Little Rock, this twirler being the star of the Arkansas State League."4
"The family and friends of Jack McAdams, the pitcher Bill Smith yanked out of the Arkansas League, are pulling for their youngster to make good in the Southern. His father has offered him an acre of land near his home in Benton, Ark., for every game he wins in this league, and, besides this, he has the good will of his many friends in his home state. The Constitution has received two letters from relatives and friends of McAdams, and also a cut of the McAdams family, showing a group which is the largest ever taken in Saline, both as to total weight and total measurement. Here are the letters from Arkansas: "Benton, Ark., July 19, 1908. -The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga. -Gentlemen: Enclosed herewith find copy of a photo which shows some of the near relatives of Jack McAdams, the latest acquisition of the Atlanta baseball club. The picture is in itself an interesting one, from the unusual proportions of the parties therein, and may be of unusual interest to the Atlanta fans, as they note the development that may be looked for in Jack, and reflect upon the disaster that may overtake rival clubs who face this young giant after he really gets 'growed up.' "McAdams is now 20 years old, and got his first baseball experience at Benton and small surrounding towns, and soon became a local celebrity through his ability to throw a ball around a corner a block or two away, or make them look like birdshot as they sped over the plate. Naturally we are all interested in 'Mac,' and predict that it will not be long 'ere he will meet with further advancement in the baseball profession. "R.M. MERRILL" "Sporting Editor Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga. -Dear Sir: Under separate cover we are sending you a cut from which attached picture was made. "Reading from left to right the second man in this group is the father of the boy, Jack Mac, the pitcher Atlanta recently purchased from Argenta, Ark. Your readers may be doubly interested in this, as Mr. McAdams is an old Georgia boy, as is also C. O. Farabee, whose picture is one the extreme right. "The other boys in this group are cousins to Jack. "L.C. McAdams and C.O. Farabee were both raised at Harmony Grove, Ga., where you will find a number of people who knew them when they were boys. "Yours very truly, "C.W. LEWIS.""5
"Pitcher G. D. McAdams, of Argenta, the son of a wealthy planter near Benton, Ark., has been sold to the Atlanta Club. His father has promised him an acre of fertile farm land for every game he wins in the Southern League. McAdams comes from a family of giants. The senior McAdams weighs over 300 pounds and is nearly six feet tall. One brother is seven feet in height."6
1909 Excerpts
"Jack McAdams, the pitcher signed by Manager Brown [of the Spokane Club from] the Arkansas league, arrived in the city yesterday afternoon and left for Lewiston, where he will join the squad. The stranger is a six footer big enough to qualify for the police force and is an athletic looking sort of a fellow"7
"Big Jack McAdams, just purchased [by Butte] from the Argenta, [Ark.] club also showed good class in the box."8
1910 Excerpts
"Jack McAdams, pitcher on the Muskogee team, was today sold to the St. Louis Americans team for $1,100, according to the announcement made by Manager Larry Hoffman this afternoon. He will report at St. Louis at once. He is the second twirler on the local team purchased by the Browns, Robert Ray having been sold yesterday."9
"St. Louis offered $1,500 for Pitcher McAdams, but Waco secured him for $4.70. Which is another way of saying that Bates Simpsons and Brooks Gordon are some bargain drivers. McAdams is by no means a lemon. He is a first-class pitcher and has hurled nothing but splendid baseball since entering the Texas League. "Farmer" Ray and McAdams were teammates at Muskogee in the Western Association when the club began to wobble from a financial standpoint. The management of the St. Louis Browns offered President Tull $1,500 each for Ray and McAdams, the two star twirlers. Ray was sold, but Tull decided to give the other man to his friends at Waco for his railroad fare. This amounted to $4.70, the cost of a ticket from Muskogee to Oklahoma City."10
"McAdams, the Waco pitcher who will probably land in the big leagues next year, was purchased by Bates Simpson for $4.70. He was pitching for Muskogee until that team disbanded. Waco got him for the price of his transportation."11
1911 Excerpts
"McAdams was a welcome arrival in [the Dallas] camp yesterday. The big flinger is picked by the players to be the star of the pitching staff this year. He is from Benton, Ark., but played last year with Waco. Notwithstanding, McAdams was always a hard man to beat. While with Muskogee he was bought by the St. Louis Browns, but was never given a trial, and Gardner secured him and turned him over to Waco"12
"Jack McAdams, pitcher, lives at Benton, Ark. Age 23, weight 160"13
"It's pretty early in the season to begin to tout a youngster as a possible big league candidate, but the work of Jack McAdams of the Dallas team in his games against major league teams this season has directed the attention of major league magnates to him and it is very probably that both Chicago and New York will make an effort to get an option on this youngster. McAdams first claimed attention of the big leagues when he defeated the New York team by a score of 3-1. He pitched wonderfully steady ball in that game and was the second pitcher to defeat a New York team in an exhibition game during the four springs it has trained in Texas. On top of that, McAdams was sent against Chicago last Sunday and easily made the big leaguers bow to his pitching. When a minor league youngster comes along and strikes out fourteen hitters in the regular lineup of a major league team, and with minor league support, keeps that team from scoring on him for eight innings and then takes the game into extra sessions, he is entitled to some notice. Monday's Chicago papers had many good things to say about McAdams. It is the custom for these baseball war correspondents to minimize the efforts of a minor leaguer as much as possible, by way of showing their contempt for anything this side of the big leagues, but in this instance McAdams was so superior to the Chicageans that they had to say something nice. The following is from the Chicago Inter-Ocean's report of the game: "There was a tall young chap on the mound for the Dallas club who was certainly twirling in great style. The Sox couldn't do anything with him for a long time, and even when the 11th inning came around he was going strong. His name is McAdams, and one of these days that sterling moniker may be gracing the roster of some National or American League squad. He showed major league form and struck out fourteen of the Sox. Some performance, that." McAdams was with the Waco team last season, coming from the Muskogee team in the Western Association. He started with the Texas-Arkansas League with Pine Bluff and was then in the Arkansas State League. From there he went to Tacoma and then to the Muskogee club of the Western Association. While with the Muskogee, hedges of the St. Louis Browns offered to buy him conditionally, but W. L. Tull, who was disposing of players rapidly then, wanted to sell him outright."14
"Jack McAdams, who has been suspended for the season, arrived in Dallas yesterday. McAdams had but little to say of his suspension except that Maloney believes him to be guilty of violating the club discipline. He expects to remain in Dallas for a short while, but says he may go further north in order to recuperate from the malaria which has been troubling him lately."15
"Dallas may be deprived of the services of her star twirler for an indefinite length of time, according to a report reaching here this morning. It is said that Jimmie Maloney has suspended big Jack McAdams and may not let him back into the game for the rest of the season. The loss would be the limit. What the fans at home will think about the latest misfortune of the Giants remains to be seen."16
"Dallas has suspended her star, Jack McAdams . . . the tall youngster, a willing and ready worker, was ambitions in the springtime. He let himself out to the limit. Maloney saw he could win and sent him to the mound often. In Waco one afternoon he was allowed to pitch a double-header. This constant work, this overwork, began to tell on him. His physical condition became run down and soon the star fell a victim to malaria. Now Jack is in Dallas under a thirty-day suspension. He wants his unconditional release and it was reported in Houston yesterday that Gardner had given him his pink slip. That is denied, however."17
"Jack McAdams, who has been suspended for the season, left last night for Roswell, N.M. in the effort to improve his health. McAdams has been suffering from malaria for several weeks, and he believes it will be necessary for him to go to some other climate for a few weeks. He has notified secretary Miller of the Dallas Club of his intentions and says that when the Dallas Club wants him he will return to Dallas immediately."18
"The Giants, however, have eliminated McAdams, Maloney having suspended him for the season. This came as a distinct surprise, for McAdams is undoubtedly one of the very best players in the Texas League, and had been leading the league as a pitcher. He has been breaking training rules and has been the cause of much internal dissension in the team. He was too valuable a man to release, for he would have been snapped up by opposing clubs. For that reason Maloney has separated him from the payroll."19
"Dallas is having many offers for pitcher McAdams, recently suspended for the season, but all offers are being refused. The suspension was a matter of discipline as there is not a better pitcher in the league. Maloney says that if he cannot use McAdams he will not let any other Texas league team [use him]."20
"July 7. -Manager Bresnahan announced today that he had purchased Pitcher McAdams from the Dallas (Texas League) Club. He received notice today to report to Bresnahan. McAdams is a right-hander and is considered a great capture. McGraw of the New York Giants was after the Dallas star early in the season, but owner Gardner held the flinger for St. Louis. The purchase price has not been announced, but is said to be a pretty steep one."21
"Owner Gardner of the Dallas Giants, upon his return to Dallas yesterday, confirmed the sale of Pitcher McAdams to the St. Louis Americans, but did not disclose the figures of the deal. McAdams is at present at Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to report to the St. Louis club at once. Such instructions were sent to him, but yesterday afternoon no reply had been received."22
"Anniston, Ala., July 13. –Huntsville new mail order team, popularly known to the bleacher gods by this appellation, is about to get into trouble as a result of the rapid fight which the club has made since making an entry into the Southeastern after coming from the Western Association, Fort Smith, Ark., where they had a runaway. Those kicking are Decatur and Rome, while Gadsden may have a hand in the protests. The grievance which Decatur has against the club is that the Huntsville manager worked an outlaw pitcher against them, if it be true that “Allen” or McAdams is in this class. Allen is said to have skipped a contract after being suspended at Dallas, Tex., and after being located by the owning club it is said that he has been sold to St. Louis under his real name, McAdams. Due to this fact, Decatur has declared an intention of protesting all games in which Allen or McAdams took part. It is likely that Selma and Gadsden will take similar action"23
"Anniston, Ala., July 19. –It was announced here today that President O’Neil has sustained the protests filed by Managers Anderson of Selma and Hickman of Decatur on two games played with Huntsville in which the last named team won. The protests were based on the fact that Jack McAdams, a suspended Texas League pitcher, now with the St. Louis Cardinals was used in each game by Huntsville. Huntsville’s standing take quite a tumble as the result of throwing out the 2 games makes 3 games Huntsville will have to play over for using MacAdams. MacAdams, it is stated, was suspended by the Dallas club. Angered at this, it is said, he jumped the contract and joined the Huntsville team under the name of Allen. He had easy sailing and won every game he pitched. The Dallas management located him at Huntsville. President O’Neill was notified that he was an outlaw. Manager Riggs was warned not to work him. When the mountaineers came here "Allen" or MacAdams was not with the team. He had been sold by Dallas to the St. Louis Cardinals . . . Jack MacAdams, whose home is in Arkansas, started his baseball career in the Eastern Arkansas League, and at one time managed and pitcher for Marianna in that Organization. He was given a tryout by Memphis and Atlanta in the Southern league and went from the Southern to the major league where he enjoyed only a short, returning South, and finally drifting to the Dallas club in the Texas league." 24
"Chattanooga, Tenn., July 16. -If the Southeastern League fails, Pitcher McAdams, said to have been the legal property of Dallas, but pitching in the Southeastern under an assumed name, will be held responsible. McAdams literally burned a path through other clubs with his success in the box, and many protests were filed, following which McAdams made a sudden getaway. He pitched for Huntsville, Ala., and authorities say that if it is proven as charged that McAdams was sold by Dallas to St. Louis and that he stopped there under an alias that they are not to be blamed, as they did not know him and did not doubt him when he told them he was a free agent. McAdams, they say, will be punished."25
"McAdams is a pitching acquisition from Texas, whose recent disregard for base ball law came near getting him in trouble. He made a good showing with Dallas in the early season., but fell off in his work and was suspended. Then he migrated to the Southeastern League and played under an assumed named until his identity was disclosed by his sale to the Cardinals. This is not McAdams' first appearance in St. Louis. He is one of the great army of young ball players who have at some time or other been given trials with the Browns and then discarded. He began his base ball career in Arkansas, has played in the Western Association and the Southern League, as well as in the Texas circuit. His asset of supreme confidence in himself is something that may assist him in stickings with the big show this time, for lack of confidence by some youngsters who otherwise have "everything" is often the secret of failure."26
"McAdams really has some stuff in him, if he will settle down to delivering it. This is vouched for by a couple of Texas League magnates who were in St. Louis this past week . . . . J. W. Gardner, of Dallas, and Owner Morris Black of San Antonio."27
"Jack McAdams, sold from the Dallas Giants the past season to the St. Louis Americans, is back in Dallas for a few days visit with friends here. McAdams is considerably heavier than when he left and says he feels better than ever before in his life. "I had a successful season, as far as I had a chance," McAdams said. "I didn't make any great sort of show, but I think my work was all right as much as there was of it." McAdams has been purchased by the Springfield club of the Three I League and intend to report there for training at the proper time."28
1912 Excerpts
"Pitcher McAdam was purchased [by Newark] from the Springfielld (Ill.) Club, Roger Breshnahan giving the tip to Manager McGinnity. McAdams worked with Dallas last season, winning nine out of 15 games, his work attracting the Brooklyn and St. Louis National scouts. The latter club was the successful bidder, but later on released McAdams to Springfield. Sam Lichtenhein wanted the youngster for Montreal, but McGinnity had the inside track and beat the Royals president out. Since the deal was made Lichtenhein offered to trade catcher Hardy for the former Texas League twirler, and has also offered McGinnity more cash for McAdams services than the "Iron Man" paid to Springfield. Judging from reports, Newark has captured a valuable pitcher in McAdams."29
"Jack McAdams, star pitcher of the Texas League last year until bad health worsted him, will play with the Newark team of the International League this year. After McAdams was suspended Dallas for indifferent playing he went to Huntsville, Ala., and played independent ball. Bresnahan of the St. Louis Cardinals made an offer for him and he was reinstated. Later St. Louis turned him over to Springfield, Ill., and McGinnity of the Newark Club has purchased him. McGinnity has had several offers for him and expects him to be one of the best flingers on his circuit."30
"Roswell, N.M., Feb. 25. -Jack McAdams, the St. Louis Cardinal twirler, who has been spending the winter here, has received notice of his sale to the Newark club of the Eastern League, of which "Iron Man" McGinnity is owner and manager. McAdams was sold by the Dallas club to the Cardinals last summer for $3,000 and he worked in a number of games during the remainder of the season. He said he had not learned what Newark paid St. Louis for his release. McAdams has been assisting in the coaching the N.M.M.I. ball team for the last two weeks and says that he will at once go into heavy practice to prepare for the Newark's opening on March 18 at Peteresburg, Va."31
"Jack McAdams, secured by Galveston from Newark, is not showing anything like his old class."32
"Jack .McAdams, one time premier pitcher of the Texas League, and a recruit sent to Galveston from the "big show," who was expected to be a whirlwind around the circuit this season, but who has failed to make good, was the first to fall. McAdams was released Friday morning . . . "33
"President McGill announced this morning that Pitcher McAdams, who was with Dallas in the Texas league last year, has been ordered to report to the Denver club at Wichita today. McAdams won nine and lost six for the Dallas club last season and finished the year with the St. Louis Browns. He was not offered a contract this and was therefore free to sign with Denver. The new twirler, who is a right hander, will be given a tryout by Manager Hendricks, and if he shows well stands a chance of landing a regular berth."34
"Pitcher Jack McAdams, who appeared with the [Galveston] Pirates for a short time during the present season, is not nor ever was the property of the Galveston club, as intimated in the dispatch from Cincinnati which appeared in The News Tuesday morning. The dispatch stated that the national commission has ruled that McAdams must pay a personal dept of $70 to Pitcher Salle of the St. Louis Nationals of that he will be debarred from the game. McAdams came to Galveston from Newark, N.J. under an agreement that the purchase price paid for him should be returned did he not prove satisfactory. He did not prove satisfactory and he was turned back to Newark. Newark apparently did not think much of his ability and released him outright. He has since signed with Denver, Colo., and is now playing with that team."35
"Cincinnati, O., July 22. -Decision No. 923.-In re Claim of Player Sallee Against Player McAdams. Player H. F. Sallee, of the St. Louis National League team, complains that player McAdams, now with the Galveston Club, of the Texas League, to whom he loaned $70 in 1911, ignores his requests for a settlement. No reply having been received from the player to either notification of the filing of this complaint, forwarded to him through the office of Secretary Farrell, the Commission, construing his failure to submit a statement to be an acknowledgment of the debt, allows this claim and directs the Galveston Club to forthwith remit the amount to Secretary Bruce for transmission to player Sallee. If this order be not complied with on or before July 27, the player shall be ineligible to play with a club under the National Agreement from that date until the discharge of the debt. B. B. JOHNSON, T. J. LYNCH, AUG. HERRMANN, The National Commission."36
"Jack McAdams, formerly of the Dallas club, who finished the season of 1912 with the Denver club of the Western League, reached Dallas yesterday and will stop here a day or so en route to his home in Arkansas" 37
1913 Excerpts
"Pitcher McAdams, formerly with the [Dallas] Giants, but now signed with Walter Morris' [Fort Worth] Panthers, was in town yesterday. McAdams is having trouble with his salary wing so far this spring and has never got in condition. He intends, he says, to visit [trainer] Bonesetter Reese unless his arm gets right within the next few days. Otherwise the big flinger seems to be in perfect condition."38
"Jack McAdams umpired yesterday's game between T.C.U. and Trinity at Waxahachie . . . "39
"McAdams, formerly of Dallas, who joined the team today, was out of condition and [did not start] . . . The Drillers left last night for Texarkana where McAdams will probably make his debut."40
"McAdams is with the St. Louis outlaws."41
1914 Excerpts
"McAdams has been having trouble with his salary wing, but if his arm rounds into form there is but little question but what he can deliver the goods [for Waterloo]"42
"The visitors also seemed to take a little more kindly to the offerings of McAdam, a new importation [by Mason City] from Waterloo"43
"July 17.—Pitcher Jack McAdams, a former Texas League star was sent in to pitch for Austin today, but his old teammates, the Dallas Giants forced him to retire after three and two-third Innings and won the last game of the series with the Austin club 8 to 4. Friedland relieved McAdams, but his showing was anything but impressive"44
"McAdams, well known locally, having once upon a time been a member of the Dallas club, broke into the league again yesterday and appeared in the humble, though entirely honorable, uniform of the [Austin] Senators. Moran nominated him for slab duty, but three and two-thirds stanzas, characterized by lack of control and anything that looked at all mystifying to the home guard, terminated his administration, and he was derricked and one Friedland was substituted."45
1915 Excerpts
" . . . J.D. McAdams, who has seen service in the Texas League, but who did not play last season following an injury sustained while training with the St. Louis Cardinals. McAdams is the first of the [Shreveport] Gassers' contingent to arrive in Shreveport for spring training, having come here a few days ago from his home in Benton, Ark."46
"McAdams as a pitcher is a dead issue. He was signed by the [Fort Worth] Panthers last spring and given a tryout. His arm was entirely gone and he was never able to toss the ball within ten feet of the plate. If he comes back it will be an eighth wonder of the world."47
"Jack McAdams, the tall right-hander, is rather slow in rounding to form, but Garvin Feels that he will come around all right with a little more rest."48
"The signing of McCuller was followed by the release of Jack D. McAdams, who was the first to report here for practice. McAdams is a willing working and has the promise of a good career, but his arm, which kept him out of the game last season, is not yet fully recovered, due, no doubt, to the bad weather."49
"A dispatch last night from Shreveport, where the [Chicago] Whales trained, had it that Jack McAdams, a pitcher tried out by the Shreveport Texas leaguers, was on his way here to join Joe Tinker’s club. Maybe he is, but Weeghman doesn’t know anything about it. If Mr. McAdams arrives he may find himself out the price of his railroad fare from the south, for there is no berth waiting him on the local team."50
"Jack McAdams, formerly of the Bears, is in town and is open for some out-of-town job. Answer thru these [columns]."51
"Pitcher McAdams, who was with the Denver Bears in 1912, is working with the Sullivan & Hoffers. He pitched a good game for them last Sunday against the Zoos." 52
Obituary
"George D. J. (Jack) McAdams, former pitcher who had trials with both St. Louis clubs and worked for many teams in the minors, died at San Francisco, Cal., May 21. He was 49 years old and is survived by the widow and two sisters. McAdams broke in with Argenta of the Arkansas League in 1908, and, after trials with Memphis and Atlanta in 1909, finished the season with Mariana, Ark. He was with Muskogee and Waco in 1910, going to the St. Louis Browns in the middle of the season and was sent to Dallas the next year, the Texas League club sending him to the St. Louis Cardinals, by whom he was released to Springfield, Ill. Subsequently, he was with St. Paul, Newark, Denver, Sioux City and Fort Worth, and umpired, in the Texas-Oklahoma League in 1913, in the Mississippi League in 1921 and the Cotton States circuit in 1924."53
"George D. McAdams, aged fifty years, a native of Saline county, and formerly a pitcher for the St. Louis National League team, died in a hospital at San Francisco Calif., May 21. He was an employee of the Missouri Pacific railroad, a member of the Methodist Church and Woodmen of the world. On May 25th funeral services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. C. W. Lewis by the Rev. Harold D. Sadler of Benton and Rev. S.K. Burnett of Bauxite. Burial was in Bryant Cemetery. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Lewis of Benton and Mrs. M.W. Martin of Little Rock. Jack McAdams was well known in Benton twenty or more years ago, having played baseball here and later on state league teams and the St. Louis Cardinals. He will be kindly remembered by friends and baseballites with whom he was formerly associated."54
1
Atlanta Constitution, 7/18/1908
2
Atlanta Constitution, 7/20/1908
3
Atlanta Constitution, 7/21/1908
4
The Sporting News, 7/23/1908
5
Atlanta Constitution, 7/26/1908
6
Sporting Life, 8/1/1908
7
Spokane Press, 3/24/1909
8
Anaconda Standard, 4/23/1909
9
Dallas Morning News, 6/9/1910
10
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7/21/1910
11
El Paso Herald, 8/16/1910
12
Dallas Morning News, 2/19/1911
13
Dallas Morning News, 3/5/1911
14
Dallas Morning News, 3/23/1911
15
Dallas Morning News, 6/23/1911
16
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6/23/1911
17
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6/24/1911
18
Dallas Morning News, 6/27/1911
19
El Paso Herald, 6/26/1911
20
El Paso Herald, 6/29/1911
21
Dallas Morning News, 7/8/1911
22
Dallas Morning News, 7/9/1911
23
Jonesboro Daily Tribune, 7/15/1911
24
Jonesboro Daily Tribune, 7/22/1911
25
Arkansas Gazette, 7/17/1911
26
The Sporting News, 8/17/1911
27
The Sporting News, 9/14/1911
28
Dallas Morning News, 10/25/1911
29
The Sporting News, 2/22/1912
30
Dallas Morning News, 2/25/1912
31
Dallas Morning News, 2/26/1912
32
The Sporting News, 5/30/1912
33
Galveston Daily News, 6/15/1912
34
Denver Post, 6/22/1912
35
Galveston Daily News, 7/24/1912
36
Sporting Life, 7/27/1912
37
Dallas Morning News, 9/12/1912
38
Dallas Morning News, 4/5/1913
39
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/8/1913
40
Wichita Falls Time, 5/27/1913
41
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/13/1913
42
Waterloo Evening Courier, 4/18/1914
43
Mason City Globe-Gazette, 6/2/1914
44
Galveston Daily News, 7/18/1914
45
Dallas Morning News, 7/18/1914
46
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2/21/1915
47
Fort Worth Star Telegram, 3/1/1915
48
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3/14/1915
49
Dallas Morning News, 3/28/1915
50
Chicago Daily Tribune, 4/15/1915
51
Denver Post, 7/16/1915
52
Denver Post, 8/4/1915
53
The Sporting News, 5/27/1937
54
Benton Courier, 6/3/1937