Check out this "controversy"

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by cc6

The hollow is borderline unhittable in my opinion.

That's why pitchers try to throw there.

A lot of curveballs and splitters pass the hallow at the plate but end up in the dirt- what are you going to call that pitch?

Ball, probably

The other potential problem with calling the hallow is that it could lead to more wild pitches.

???

[Kevin Finnerty]

I called a big bender a ball yesterday, because it was scooped a couple inches off the ground. But the batter was up in the box and after rethinking it, I left it low because it was borderline as it crossed (hollow of the knee) and it was caught like it was low. The pitcher threw a borderline strike, and the catcher caught a ball.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

I called a big bender a ball yesterday, because it was scooped a couple inches off the ground. But the batter was up in the box and after rethinking it, I left it low because it was borderline as it crossed (hollow of the knee) and it was caught like it was low. The pitcher threw a borderline strike, and the catcher caught a ball.

Not a big deal. This evens out with the big bender that crosses at the shoulders and is caught belt high. I was told many years ago that the curve ball in the dirt is intended to make the batter swing, not thrown for a strike. I'll acknowledge the pitcher's intention and call this a ball if the batter lays off the pitch.

[Kevin Finnerty]

It has to be tough being a pitcher who's living on the big bender, because the pitches we each described are difficult to call a strike.

[cc6]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Not a big deal. This evens out with the big bender that crosses at the shoulders and is caught belt high. I was told many years ago that the curve ball in the dirt is intended to make the batter swing, not thrown for a strike. I'll acknowledge the pitcher's intention and call this a ball if the batter lays off the pitch.

Good point. Give a bit extra to the pitcher on the high curveball, and take a bit away on the low curveball is a good idea to go with.

[Dave Reed]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

But the batter was up in the box ....

Huh? How does the batter's position in the box affect the strike zone?