For a kid that is interested in playing baseball, especially past the college level, I think its very important to find a coach that has a vision of your son contributing, rather then a coach who is willing to see if he'll "stick". Other then getting cut, the next worst thing is being strung along for several years while sitting on the bench. For many its better to play for a team ranked 150th in the nation then to sit on the bench for #1. Its a tough call.
With respect to schools "academics" its more about your son's efforts and interests then the schools academic ranking. i.e. your son might get into UCLA as a geology major with the coaches help or get into UCD as an engineering major....