The Washington Evening Star’s pitching tips for kids, 1912:
“Boys, it’s almost a cinch most of you have an idea that you will be a second Amos Rusie when you grow up. Maybe you if you stick to pitching practice. Any boy can throw curves if he will practice.
But before you start, here are a few things to remember:
Practice as often as you can.
Strive to get control.
Don’t overdo yourself.
Take good care of your arm.
Change your delivery until you get a style that does not make your arm sore.
Abandon every unnecessary motion that will give the base runner a big start.
An outcurve is the easiest of all. You can see in the picture just how Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants grasps the ball for an ‘out.’
The picture was taken just as the ball was ready to leave his hand. Notice the palm is upward. The ball shoots out between the first finger and thumb. The curve depends upon the rotary motion given. Be sure you do not hold the ball too tightly. This will prevent it getting the necessary rotary motion. You can start it underhand or overhand.
After you are sure you have the right grasp, practice. And don’t get discouraged if you don’t see the curve the first day. If you keep at it, you are sure to learn.”
Baseball History Daily 
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