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Regardless of how the zone is defined, there are always going to be differences in interpreting and applying that zone in a game. That occurs because you have different people behind the dish. Always has been, always will be.
Even in the 22nd century when they go to Electronic Officiating there will be differences depending on who made the machine!
Consistency needs to be by the individual within the game and, most importantly, from game to game. Most officials, I suspect, give repeat performances to the coaches and/or teams in their area. They get to know what to expect from you because of the past. If you maintain individual consistency they know what to expect FROM YOU and can adapt accordingly. I've seen UIC's blow a couple high or a couple low early in the game and try to keep their zone there in order to be consistent for that game. I think that's a mistake. They end up trying to call a different zone than they did with the team(s)in earlier outings. Eat your immediate mistakes, but keep the consistency that goes with your reputation from game to game and you will have a much smoother game.
I agree, with Dave about the high zone. Hitters have more success hitting bad, high pitches versus bad, low pitches. Those high miscues have a greater chance of becoming hits---lengthening the game.
I don't try to emulate the pros, rather I adjust to the level of the contest trying to maintain consistency on the "hittability" of the pitch. If it's at the edge of the zone but very hittable, it's likely a strike if not swung at. In other words, hang a meatball in the middle of the dish close to my high limit (my tough decision area)and it will be a strike. Those are the pitches many put out of the park. Reach back and add 5 mph and put it in that same area of question, the pitcher likely won't get that pitch. It's usually far less hittable. IT WORKS FOR ME. I get little arguments on my zone. If the defense makes a comment that I'm not giving them the high pitch I just tell them we see it differently "I thought your pitcher threw a 'ball', you thought he threw a home run pitch"
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