Has the Running Lane become Passé

[nickrego]

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 ?

[briancurtin]

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

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

i dont even remember paying attention to it.

Nobody ever does.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by nickrego

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 ?

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.

[nickrego]

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.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by nickrego

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.