Question: What matters most in getting recruiting for college--grades or athletic ability?
I know you must have grades to get into a good college program or most college coaches will not look at you but, what if you can play? What if you are that ‘can’t miss’ player? Do you think a college program would take a chance on that player?

I know this is not the answer (because it's a question) but which of the two is the most important part of a car ---- the motor or the ignition key? There's no answer because it takes both!

One would surmise by just looking at the numbers that it is more difficult to be accepted to the baseball team AND the college than to just be accepted to the college.

The ONLY way a player can be a "can't miss" prospect is if he's athletically talented and academically eligible. Yes, coaches do provide academic assistance to talented players all the time in the way of tutors and class scheduling but that's not a free pass it's HELP. As Lou Holtz said --- "there ain't no free lunch."
Fungo