LSU baseball has had a storied history of success, but one man stands out among the rest as a true legend of the sport at the university: Skip Bertman. As the head coach of the LSU Tigers from 1984 to 2001, Bertman transformed the program into a powerhouse, leaving an indelible impact on LSU baseball and the sport as a whole.
Skip Bertman’s tenure at LSU was nothing short of remarkable. When he took over as head coach, the team was coming off a 9-18 season, and the program was in disarray. However, Bertman wasted no time in turning things around. In his very first season, he led the Tigers to a 36-24 record and a berth in the NCAA tournament, laying the foundation for what was to come.
Over the course of his 18 seasons at the helm, Bertman guided the Tigers to five national championships, in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000. His teams also won 11 SEC titles, and he was named National Coach of the Year six times. Under his leadership, LSU baseball became synonymous with excellence and became a perennial contender on the national stage.
But Bertman’s impact extended far beyond the field. He transformed LSU baseball into a program that rivaled the football program in popularity and support. The game day experience at Alex Box Stadium, affectionately known as “The Box,” became a must-attend event for fans, and the atmosphere was electric. Bertman cultivated a fan culture that was passionate, vocal, and unwavering in its support of the team.
His influence also extended to the players he coached. Bertman developed a reputation for his tough, no-nonsense coaching style, but he also genuinely cared for his players. He pushed them to their limits and demanded their best effort, but he was always there to offer support and guidance. Many of his former players credit him not only with their on-field success but also with shaping them into better people off the field.
Perhaps one of Bertman’s most significant contributions to the sport was his innovative approach to fundraising and facility development. Under his leadership, LSU constructed a new stadium, which was later renamed Alex Box Stadium, and renovated the old one. He pioneered the idea of luxury suites and club seating, creating additional revenue streams for the program. His ability to secure private funding and create state-of-the-art facilities set the standard for college baseball programs nationwide.
After retiring from coaching, Bertman continued to be an ambassador for LSU baseball. He served as the athletic director at LSU from 2001 to 2008, and his leadership helped guide the entire athletic department to new heights. He also remained a mentor and advisor to the coaching staff, ensuring that his legacy would continue.
Skip Bertman’s impact on LSU baseball cannot be overstated. His five national championships, 11 SEC titles, and numerous coaching accolades speak for themselves. But beyond the wins and losses, Bertman transformed the program into a model of excellence, both on and off the field. His influence can still be felt in the passion of the fans, the success of the players, and the continued growth of the program. He will forever be remembered as an LSU legend, and his impact on LSU baseball will endure for generations to come.