SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Aug. 18, 1877  Inside has an interesting article headed: "Curving a Base Ball" which begins: "I see by a reply to one of your correspondents that you seem to doubt the possibility of this feat. That a ball may be thrown with a curve seems to be an undisputed proposition among players..." with the balance of the article explaining--scientifically, or course--how it can be done. There is a related illustration as well.
Sixteen pages, very nice condition.