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@MadMax I didn't know @Mr Ump but you must have respected him a great deal to volunteer to drive his personal effects 1700 miles to his family. It's tough to lose a fellow umpire and friend. Thank you for your kindness to his family and his memory.

Well, now we have an official interpretation published by the NCAA (Randy Bruns). It seems to counter his previous email: Physically Assisting a Runner – Rule 8-5-f Interpretation: A runner is out when: f. A coach or any other member of the offensive team other than another runner, by touching or holding a runner, physically assists the runner in returning to or leaving a base. Note: The touching of a runner alone does not constitute physically assisting; however, when the touching improves the runner’s chances of accomplishing their goal (retreating or advancing), it should be interpreted as physically assisting. A runner is allowed to assist another runner physically; however, all other members of the offensive team (e.g., base coaches, on-deck batter, a runner who had just scored or has been put out, a batter, etc.) are not allowed to assist. When a play is being made on the assisted runner, the umpire should call “Time” and enforce the penalty; the runner is out, and all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the interference (assistance). If no play is being made on the assisted runner, the umpire shall signal that the runner is out and allow the ball to remain alive. Rationale: The physical assistance of a runner by another offensive team member other than a base coach or another runner most often happens in the vicinity of home plate where a team member is often there to “coach” the runner trying to score when and where to slide to avoid a tag. It is unfair to allow any physical assistance by another team member to impact if and when the runner touches the base prior to a tag, appeal, or video review. Although not specifically covered in the NCAA Baseball Rules, this ruling is based on common sense and fair play. This enforcement principle permits the defensive team to make plays on other runners, if possible. If the ball were to instantly become dead at the time of interference (assistance), the offensive team could always control the status of the ball by grabbing a nearby player.

I don't blame them. Why not?

I did the black duct tape thing and it just got messy after time, so I went the cobbler route. Very happy with the result. He just does the heel, not the sides. My other pair has more damage on the sides from shin guard rubbing. Those are my "mudder shoes" now.

SOLD! And with that, I can lock the truck, and I’m rolling from Phoenix to Chicago. I’m driving the truck containing the effects and household of @Mr Ump. Thanks @ump7tony.

My chapter called it probably 15-20 times during the regular season this year. A little grumbling from the coaches, but they all knew the rule. Wasn't a big deal.

I have. In a playoff game. The offensive coach didn't like it. I told him that I didn't like it either, but by rule that is how the NFHS wanted it called. He accepted it.

Just jumping in for fun to say: "How did you NOT? Were you watching this kid?"

I have a pair of Reebok magistrates which I snagged off here. If you can find them, get them. Also got matching base shoes, they look good. Don’t know why all the new stuff is high cut, I hate it too.