Clipping:The new delivery; a proof of the curve
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| Date | Monday, August 20, 1883 |
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| Text | Within the last few years the popular game of base ball has been completely revolutionized by the new methods of pitching, or delivering the ball to the batter. “Throwing” would be a more proper word for the new system, which allows the pitcher to deliver the ball in any manner he sees proper, so long as he keeps his arm below the shoulder. Under the new method many players have become adept in pitching what is styled the “curve” ball, delivering the ball towards the batter at what he regards the desired height but which, when nearing the home plate, through the power of a curve or twist given it by the pitcher, either drops or goes up or out from the plate, puzzling the batsman and often preventing him from hitting the ball at all. Lancaster city, however, according to the New Era, contains a number of persons who have refused to believe that such a feat is possible. Among these incredulous individuals was Robert J. Houston, who made an offer of $10 to anyone who would prove its possibility by accomplishing a test experiment which he would give him. Hofford, the Ironside pitcher, accepted the challenge, and accordingly, on the afternoon of the 10 th, Mr. Houston, accompanied by several friends, repaired to the rear of the Lancaster cemetery to have the question settled. The test prescribed was to pitch a ball on the opposite side of three posts placed in a straight line, the one twenty-five feet from the first, and the other twenty-two and a half feet from the second, in other words, to pitch the ball on the left side of the first, right side of the second, and left side of the third, describing a snake-like action and proving the existence of the curve. For a number of attempts Hofford failed to get the ball to curve from the second post to the proper side of the third, the ball frequently striking the second post. Finally he got it around to hit the third post, and with a few more efforts accomplished the task to the satisfaction of everybody present. Mr. Houston promptly paid the reward and wonders no more why ball players often fan the air in vain attempts to hit the ball, when it is delivered in such a deceptive manner. |
| Source | Sporting Life |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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