We have a good read on the colleges that good HS players are most interested in. That is because we ask them.
More often than not we see the same colleges on these lists. It just so happens that those colleges are among the best baseball programs, in the best conferences.
I think if those kids were asked to give a list of colleges they would be most interested in if they didn't play baseball, you would see a different list.
Why do so many football players or basketball players end up at the best schools in their sport? How many football recruits does Alabama or Ohio State lose to the Ivy League schools? How about Kentucky or Duke in basketball?
Most of the best athletes (not all) want the best and biggest challenge. All the other things including academics are vitally important, but most will still choose the best baseball program over everything else. Why else do the same schools end up with top recruiting classes year after year?
Now, is it right or wrong? I don't know. Guess it depends on how important your sport is to you. Or maybe how important academics is to you. Maybe social life or location is most important to some.
The thing that some just don't understand is that good baseball programs recruit talent above everything else. It's great if you have outstanding academic achievements, that is a big bonus, but if you lack the talent they want, they're not interested in you. The grades will serve you well and you will get academic money somewhere, but it won't get you on the field.
Bad grades, bad talent - nobody wants you
Excellent grades, bad talent - college wants you, sport doesn't want you.
Bad grades, excellent talent - sport wants you, college doesn't want you.
Excellent grades, excellent talent - everyone wants you