Looking from an umpire's standpoint again....

Overlooked but a big factor in the game is the bat after the hitter swings. Normally they drop it after the ball is struck. Some carry it a ways down the line, others flip it when they percieve a big hit or a failing out....

Then there is...
a hitter/runner who carrys the bat down the line, sometimes all the way down to first? Safety rule for most sanctions could apply but some rule books have no mention of this.

When I'm behind the plate I am always aware of where that bat winds up along with the play. If there's runners on and there is going to be a possible play at home, you bet one of the first things I do is kick the bat out of the way.

Heck, I always get it out of play if I can.

I've seen games lost because the ball hit the in-play bat on a play at the plate.

Then again I've had my collarbone broken and upper femur cracked from bats released by the hitters over the years. Mix in a couple of rolled ankles. That stick is my real friend!

I stand at an angle opposite side of the batter, about 4 o'clock with noon being the pitcher nowadays.

I appreciate a heads up on deck batter who gets a wayward bat and stays out of the play in process.