Plate Blocking Question

[chymechowder]

I must confess to being confused by the whole of the responses now. Because it seems like some are saying it is legal (or at least isn't illegal) to run over the catcher.

It's my understanding that MLB (and maybe NCAA) allows a runner to crash and dislodge the ball from a catcher, but doesn't allow a runner to crash and dislodge the ball from the other infielders.

Assuming that is the case, then there is a discrepancy.

And the discrepancy is either accounted for in the rules (i.e., the rulebook makes an exception for intentional collisions at the plate), or the discrepancy is a result of an "unofficial" rule.

It seems as though the book in MLB and NCAA prohibits crashing into any defender. Correct? But that "unofficially," this isn't ever called at the plate.

(Note: this is simple curiosity from a baseball fan and a football/softball/lacrosse official. I'm not criticizing anyone!)