How to Throw a Perfect Curveball
The invention of the curveball is generally attributed to William “Candy” Cummings, a pitcher for the Brooklyn Excelsiors. While Cummings is said to have thrown the first “deuce” in 1863, whether or not the ball actually curved in the air was hotly debated until high-speed photography proved it in the 1940s. Here’s how to throw a bender that will have them swinging for the fences and hitting nothing but air.
1. Place your middle finger on the bottom seam.
2. Your index finger should rest right next to your middle finger and your thumb parallel on the opposite side of the ball. Your ring and pinky fingers can tuck into the palm.
3. When you throw, keep your elbow above your throwing shoulder. Upon release, try to rotate your wrist out then down. This movement creates the curve effect.
4. Strike three.
