Has the Running Lane become Passé
 

So far this year, in HS baseball, I haven't seen one batter run to 1st base within the Running Lane. They are always on the fair side of the foul line. I haven't had to call interference because of it, but I just find it funny that nobody seems to be teaching the players to run in the lane. Or maybe they forget ?

as a player, i never once was taught to run in the lane, and i dont even remember paying attention to it.

Nobody ever does.

You don't have to run in the lane BUT if you're out of it AND interfere with the fielder taking the throw then you're out. Given that 98% of the time there is no possible issue, it doesn't really matter much. For the other 2%, the catchers and coverage fielder usually know how to get a clear throwing lane.

My son was a catcher in HS.

I taught him, that if he couldn't get a good line to 1st for the throw because the runner was out of the lane, just hit him in the back with an 80% throw.

This is a totally unofficial statement.

And I will disavow all knowledge of this conversation if questioned about it.

I'd prefer to see him taught to take a couple of quick side steps and get the line. You can't bank on a call (ask Knoblauch) and the potential aftermath of a non-call.