Merle Theron Adkins, an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, wasn't very successful as a major league pitcher. His success came in the Eastern (now International) League with Ned Hanlon's and Jack Dunn's Baltimore Orioles whom he joined during the 1903 season.
In 10 seasons with the Orioles, Adkins won 165 games and lost 111. He won 20 or more games four times with his best season coming in 1908 when he won 29 and lost 12. He led the Orioles to their first minor league pennant that season while leading the league in wins.
Even though he won 21 games in 1909, Adkins led the EL in losses with 19 as the Orioles dropped through the standings.
While playing in Baltimore, Adkins attended the Johns Hopkins University medical school. He received his M.D. in 1907. Doc also coached the baseball team at Trinity College (now Duke University) from 1908 to 1914 while playing with the Orioles. His teams posted a 108-67-4 record.
After the 1913 season, Doc Adkins retired from the Orioles and settled in Durham, NC, where he became "one of Durham's most prominent physicians," according to his obituary in the Raleigh (NC) News and Observer of February 22, 1934.
» Dave Howell, a fan of the International League Baltimore Orioles, compiled their all-time (1903-53) roster.
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Copyright © 2002 by Dave Howell. Posted July 10, 2002.
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