My son juts started playing freshman baseball at his high school. Prior to this he was on a very good travel team.Unfortunately, the freshman baseball program at his HS is not very good.
The skill level is not even close to what it was on the travel team. It seems as if we took a giant step backwards, and I don't see how he will be able to grow as a player by playing HS baseball.
We are thinking of abandoning HS baseball altogether, and just find a good travel/showcase team.
Can anyone tell me if this would be a good move, or is HS baseball mandatory in order to advance to the next level (college)?
Ok, you must be on our team. 
We aren't that good. In fact, we stink. (Although they did take our best player and move him up). Our summer team could beat us without question.
In my view, HS ball it isn't about development. No way do the coaches have the time and resources to truly develop players.
At the end of the day, it is HS baseball. Its about competing for your school. Building relationships with your classmates. Maybe having a little fun. Impressing the girls -- they even have girls show up to the games.
Do a search. There are a lot of threads on the topic.