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The plate umpire follows down the line for reasons having nothing to do with pulled feet, swipe tags, and other squirrels. There could be interference or the ball could get away and the PU needs to be in position to do his job.
Beg to differ with you on this. Plate umpire goes down the 1B line when BU is in A position for the following reasons:
Possible pulled foot and swipe tag. Why you say this is not a reason is beyond me.
Possible interference as per above.
Possible Obstruction.
Possible tag by a fielder first 45 feet up the line.
Ball getting away as per above.
Rule on fair or foul on a bunt up the first base line.
And most importantly if the BU should slip and fall, get "tangled up" with fielder and or runner because of an errant throw or somehow is unable to take BR into second and possibly third base PU will now be able to do this (simialar to doing one man mechanics) and BU will have time to recover in order to cover the plate if necessary.
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