Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 581

"Against Heavy Odds" by George C. Jenks This dime novel installment centers on a baseball game between the New York and Boston clubs. When star pitcher Wilfred Noel refuses to play after a quarrel with the captain, the game faces cancellation despite the massive crowd's disappointment. A mysterious young stranger calling himself "Double-Curve Dan" volunteers to pitch, impressing spectators with his remarkable ability to throw balls that curve twice—once left, then right—confounding the opposing batters. Dan pitches brilliantly, putting the New Yorks ahead 2-0 through nine innings. However, the Boston team begins scoring late in the game. The narrative also introduces romantic tension: Noel watches with malevolent jealousy as the beautiful Ada, a spectator, admires Dan's athletic skill and appearance, while Noel himself remains clearly disliked by her.