Over the past several years MLB scouting departments have hired about 12 PG scouts. The interesting part of that is that every one of those scouts have a college degree.
Obviously you don't need to have a degree to be a MLB scout. It's not what would be considered a high paying job. I doubt that many young people head off to college thinking they will be a scout someday. Baseball gets in your blood. Those that truly love the game are happiest when they are around the game.
College is always a good choice when considering the future. It can create the most opportunities. At the same time, IMO, the most important thing in life is happiness. So I totally understand when a young person chooses baseball. Also believe those young people should have some kind of secondary plan if things don't work out.
Daron Sutton did a recent interview with Mike Trout. Mike's parents were in education. Mike is a big believer in education. He did have a back up plan. Of course, things have worked out well and he is happy. BTW, I don't really believe athletes should be role models, but this kid, Mike Trout, is one of the best role models in all of sports.
Anyone can be a role model. It's about how the person carries themselves and what they accomplish. Not what profession they're in.