Using a sharp breaking curve, Boland once struck out Babe Ruth three times in a game. Ruth opined that Boland had "one of the greatest curveballs ever pitched." H. G. Salsinger, the editor of "The Detroit News" for 49 years, placed Boland on his second all-time Tigers team and wrote that Boland in his prime "was reputed to have the best curveball in the league." Boland later recalled that, while they always talked about his curveball, he struck out Ruth with "fast ones, all in on his hands." He once defeated the Yankees 12 games in a row.