[Tru_in_Blu]

I'll second Irish's reply.

Two protocols for calling fast/modified that rub me the wrong way:

1. Very quick callers. They call it almost before it hits the glove. Then, when they get a close one that they have to think about, their cadence is off and now their judgment is questioned.

2. The other is the one that makes a timely enough call, but doesn't give the hammer until the ball is literally in the pitcher's glove.

Others that are annoying are those that give the hand signals for the pitch location, or actually verbalize location. Call it a ball and leave it at that.

While not as experienced as many on this board, I learned the method(s) you learned at 3 National Umpire Schools and 4 Nationals. (Not that Nationals are where you go to learn, but at least you'll get feedback on your game.)