[rwest]

In my 5 years I've seen it 3 times and I've called in once. I consider a chopped ball to be very much what you've described. The bat being swung in a axe like fashion. The bat when it makes contact with the ball is above the ball and is driving the ball straight down into the ground. Hit right up the middle and with enough force it can be effective. Last night I saw it done twice and both times it almost took out the pitcher. And hitting it on a dirt surface can give the offense an advantage. The ball can get a wicked bounce. Its hard to defend. Both times it was hit for a base hit.