My point was... Those years spent playing professional baseball should end up being valuable years. Not just in terms of income, but the experience itself can create some good qualities that fit well in nearly every field. Not to mention, a professional baseball resume can open doors.
Obviously a formal education is extremely important. I look at life as being a combination of everything each person experiences. That college grad that never got involved in sports will never know what the college grad that played professional baseball knows. Likewise, the college grad that didn't spend time playing sports might know other things that the professional baseball player never experienced.
Point is, it is all important and helps form who we are and how we think. The sad thing is when someone never learns anything from their experiences. Only then is anything a waste of time!