Mathewson’s Drop-curve—His most effective ball, and he has wonderful control of it. In fact, he makes it “talk.” The two forefingers and the thumb give the rotary motion necessary for the curve, while a downward swing and quick snap of the wrist give it the quick dropping kink.
Mathewson’s High In-ball—This is a most wicked delivery—the whisker trimmer. The thumb touches the ball very lightly and the forefingers grasp it firmly. This delivery is used mostly to drive the batter away from the plate so as to make the curve more effective. It is a dangerous ball to stand up against.
The Straight, Swift Ball—Mathewson gets tremendous speed with this delivery, said to excel that of the famous “Hoosier Cyclone,” Amos Rusie, when in his prime. The arm is swung straight over the shoulder, with no wrist movement.
The out-curve is produced usually by grasping the ball with the first two fingers and the thumb, with the back of the hand turned downward. The fingers are pressed firmly against the ball, which is gripped tight. The out-curve may be either fast or slow.