Whoa
The number of HS baseball players is almost 489,000.
FROM THE NCAA (from 2015-2016 numbers)
High School Participants | NCAA Participants | Overall % HS to NCAA | % HS to NCAA Division I | % HS to NCAA Division II | % HS to NCAA Division III | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baseball | 488,815 | 34,554 | 7.1% | 2.1% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
So while those going on to play in college (at D1, D2 or D3 level) are not necessarily the TOP 7.1% capability wise as there are other factors at play, it is still a fact that 93% or so of HS players DO NOT play collegiately.
I therefore believe it is a big jump to say that most HS players could play. Most do not because most can't. There are exceptions of poor programs, coaches who take any warm body with a checkbook, etc. But these numbers are facts and speak for themselves.
FYI the percentages are even lower for womens softball.