Check out this "controversy"

[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.