LSU Tigers baseball

LSU Tigers baseball
2025 LSU Tigers baseball team
Founded	1893; 132 years ago (1893)
University	Louisiana State University
Athletic director	Scott Woodward
Head coach	Jay Johnson (4th season)
Conference	SEC
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Home stadium	Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field (Capacity: 10,326)
Nickname	Tigers
Colors	Purple and gold[1]
NCAA Tournament champions
1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009, 2023
College World Series runner-up
2017
College World Series appearances
1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2023,
NCAA regional champions
1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023
NCAA Tournament appearances
1975, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Conference tournament champions
1986, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017
Regular season conference champions
1939, 1943, 1946, 1961, 1975, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017

The LSU Tigers baseball team represents

During the program's first 30 seasons, LSU had a total of 15 head coaches. No coach's tenure lasted longer than two seasons, with the exception of C. C. Stroud, who was head coach for eight seasons.

Stroud coached LSU from 1914 to 1921 and had an overall record of 73–58–5 (.595). The program won at least ten games during four of his eight seasons as head coach.

In 1927,

In 1938, LSU's new baseball stadium, referred to as either LSU Diamond or LSU Varsity Baseball Field, opened. The stadium was later renamed Alex Box Stadium for Simeon Alex Box, an LSU letterman (1942) who was killed in North Africa during World War II.

A. L. Swanson (1943–1945) During Rabenhorst's absence serving in World War II, A. L. Swanson served as head coach from 1943 to 1945. The Tigers won the 1943 SEC Championship under Swanson.

Raymond "Ray" Didier was head coach at LSU for 7 seasons from 1957 to 1963. He had an overall record of 104–79–1 (.568). He coached the 1961 team to the SEC championship. He left LSU to become Athletic director and head baseball coach at Nicholls State University.

From 1964 to 1983, LSU was led by three head coaches. From 1964 to 1965, Jim Waldrop coached LSU for two seasons and had a 17–24 (.415) record. Jim Smith was head coach for 13 seasons from 1966 to 1978. He finished with an overall record of 238–251 (.487). When he left LSU after the 1978 season, he had the most wins of any head coach in program history. His 1975 team won an SEC championship and was LSU's first NCAA tournament team. From 1979 to 1983, Jack Lamabe was head coach at LSU for five seasons and had a record of 134–115 (.538).

After playing college baseball at Miami (FL), coaching high school baseball, and serving as an assistant at Miami, Skip Bertman became LSU's head coach for the start of the 1984 season.

In Bertman's second season, 1985, the Tigers qualified for postseason play for the first time in ten years. In his third season, LSU made its first appearance in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, the first of 11 appearances during Bertman's 18-year career. LSU returned to Omaha during the 1987 season, then failed to make the NCAA tournament in 1988, despite having a 39–21 record.

Bertman's 1989 team returned to the postseason, an appearance that started a streak of 17 consecutive postseason appearances. The 1989 team defeated

The program won its first national championship in 1991, defeating

The program won its second national championship in 1993, again defeating

In 1996, the Tigers entered the

In the College World Series, the team defeated its first opponent, Wichita State, 9–8. LSU then faced Florida, which had beaten them three times in the regular season and once in the SEC Tournament, and won, 9–4. Florida came out of the losers' bracket to face LSU again, and LSU won, 2–1, to advance to the national championship game against Miami (FL).

In the game, LSU defeated Miami, 9–8, on a

In 1998, LSU hit 161 home runs. Eddy Furniss won the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation's most outstanding player and finished as the LSU and SEC all-time leader in home runs (80), RBI (308), hits (352), doubles (87) and total bases (689). Brad Cresse and Trey McClure also earned All-America honors by hitting 29 and 27 home runs, respectively.

The Tigers went undefeated in the South II Regional to reach the

In the championship game on June 17, Stanford held an early 5–2 lead, but LSU scored three runs in the eighth inning with two home runs. LSU reliever Trey Hodges did not allow a run in the top of the ninth, his fourth scoreless inning of the game. In the bottom of the ninth, LSU lead the inning off with a single and a walk to bring Brad Cresse to the plate with two runners on base. Cresse, who was 1–12 in the CWS prior to the at bat, hit a line drive single into left field to score Ryan Theriot from second, giving LSU its fifth national championship in 10 years. LSU had 5 players named to the All-Tournament team– Blair Barbier, Mike Fontenot, Brad Hawpe, Hodges, and Theriot. Hodges was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player after finishing the CWS with a 2–0 record and one save.

LSU finished the 2000 postseason with a 13–0 record and moved to 5–0 all time in national championship games.^[6]

Skip Bertman led the Tigers to a 44–22–1 mark during his final season as head coach in 2001. The Tigers won the West Division, reached the SEC Tournament championship game, and won the Baton Rouge Regional, but lost in three games in a Super Regional against

Bertman won 870 games, seven SEC titles, and 11 CWS appearances. His teams averaged 48 wins per year and qualified for the NCAA tournament in 16 of his 18 seasons.

His jersey number, 15, is one of four numbers retired by LSU. LSU also renamed a part of South Stadium Drive, between Nicholson and River Road, Skip Bertman Drive in his honor. The renamed portion runs past the old

In a Baseball America poll published in 1999, Bertman was voted the second greatest college baseball coach of the 20th century, behind Rod Dedeaux of Southern California.

In June 2002, Bertman was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in January 2003. In 2006, Skip Bertman was inducted into the inaugural class of the

After the end of the 2001 season, Bertman became LSU's athletic director. During his tenure, LSU won six total national championships and two BCS National Titles. Bertman served in the position until June 2008, and as Athletic Director Emeritus until June 2010.

In anticipation of Bertman's retirement,

The expectations were lofty for Laval when he accepted the job as head coach at LSU. In his first year, Laval led the Tigers to a 44–22 record overall. The Tigers hosted a regional in Baton Rouge, which they won, and moved on to the Houston Super-Regional to face Rice, where their season ended. His first year at the helm raised expectations even more after he experienced great success.

In 2003 and 2004, Laval would lead the Tigers to 45–22–1 and 46–19 overall record respectively. LSU would earn the No. 2 national seed in the 2003 tournament, and would host a super regional both years, meaning the road to Omaha went through Baton Rouge. LSU made the College World Series both years, but disappointed both years, posting an 0–2 record each year. Tiger fans were not used to leaving Omaha without a win, so questions about Laval's leadership and ability to continue the success of the program began to arise.

In 2005, LSU struggled during the regular season despite a 40–22 record overall. The Tigers lost 12 games in SEC play and lost to Southern for only the second time in 41 tries. Rice would go on to defeat the Tigers in the Baton Rouge Regional Finals.

It was obvious that 2006 would be a critical year for Laval. However, that year would see LSU post a 35–24 mark overall, their worst since 1983. They also posted their first losing SEC record in 23 years and would miss the NCAA tournament for the first time in 18 years. Under growing pressure from fans and the administration, Laval officially resigned on June 4, 2006.

On June 28, 2006, Paul Mainieri was named the twenty-fifth head coach of LSU Baseball. Mainieri returned to Baton Rouge, where he began his career in college baseball 30 years earlier as a freshman at LSU in 1976. Mainieri finished his collegiate playing career at the University of New Orleans. Prior to his arrival at LSU, Mainieri coached St. Thomas University in Florida, Air Force, and Notre Dame.

In his first season at LSU, the Tigers posted a mark of 29–26–1. The season was full of ups and downs, with the Tigers winning four SEC series against Top 25 opponents, but struggling in non-conference play. After the season, Mainieri realized changes had to be made and informed certain players that they should consider other options,^[7] as well as making some changes to his current staff.^[8] Mainieri was able to put together a tremendous recruiting class following the 2007 season, which was later ranked No. 1 by Baseball News.^[9]

By winning the SEC Tournament, LSU earned a 7th national seed in the NCAA tournament and extended the life of the old Alex Box Stadium as Baton Rouge hosted a regional bracket of the NCAA tournament. LSU swept the series, defeating Texas Southern (12–1) and Southern Miss (twice, 13–4 and 11–4) to win the regional bracket. With the sweep of the Regional series, LSU extended their winning streak to a SEC-record 23 straight games.^[15]

As a result of the Regional, LSU and

The 2009 season was the first for LSU playing at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. In the post-season, LSU traveled to Omaha after sweeping Southern University, Baylor University and the University of Minnesota in the regionals and Rice University in the super regionals.

They started play at the College World Series and faced the Virginia Cavaliers in the first round, winning 9–5. In the winner's bracket game, LSU played the Arkansas Razorbacks and won by a score of 9–1. In a rematch, the Tigers beat the Razorbacks again by a score of 14–5, advancing to the CWS finals for the first time since 2000. They played against the Texas Longhorns in a best-of-three series for the title, and won Game 1, 7–6 in a dramatic comeback win in 11 innings. The Longhorns beat the Tigers in game 2, 5–1, to force a third and final game. The Tigers out-slugged the Longhorns 11–4 in game 3 to win their 6th National Championship and first since 2000. The series MVP was outfielder Jared Mitchell.

Under Mainieri, the Tigers also played in the 2013 and 2015 College World Series. During the

In 2017, LSU played Florida in a best-of-three series to determine the winner of the 2017 College World Series. Florida defeated LSU and the Tigers finished as College World Series runner-up for the first time in school history.^[25]

Mainieri retired following LSU's 2021 super regional loss to SEC rival Tennessee at Knoxville. In 15 full seasons (the 2020 season ended after 17 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Mainieri compiled a 641-285-3 (.692) record.

Following Mainieri's retirement, LSU hired Arizona baseball Head coach Jay Johnson^[26] who had just finished a run at the 2021 College World Series, posting an 0-2 exit.

The 2022 season saw the Tigers post a 40-22 overall record and a 3rd place finish in the SEC west. The team would suffer major losses such as sweeps to both Arkansas and eventual champion Ole Miss. The Tigers earned a berth at the Southern Miss Regional of the 2022 NCAA Division I baseball tournament, winning their first two games against Kennesaw St and regional host Southern Miss. before dropping their final 2 to the Golden Eagles.^[27]

The 2023 season saw notable transfers come in such as DH Tommy White of NC State^[28] and RHP Paul Skenes of Air Force.^[29] Ranked Preseason #1 by D1 Baseball, the Tigers would hold this spot for 13 weeks until series losses to both Auburn and Mississippi State. After a 1-2 appearance at the 2023 Southeastern Conference baseball tournament, LSU would earn #5 national seed and host a Regional for the first time since 2019. With sweeps of their regional and a Super Regional versus Kentucky the Tigers would earn their first CWS appearance since 2017. LSU would go on to win their bracket in dramatic fashion against the #1 ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the bottom of the 11th inning with a walkoff by Tommy White. LSU would then go on and defeat the Florida Gators 2-1 in the CWS Final, earning their seventh national championship in the sport.^[30]

Total Attendance: As of the 2018 baseball season, LSU has finished in the final college baseball total attendance rankings in 23 straight seasons. LSU posted a total attendance figure of 399,085 in 37 games.^[31]

In 2013, LSU posted an NCAA-record total attendance figure of 473,298 in 43 games, which was 191,458 greater than second-place team Mississippi State (281,840). LSU is also the only school in NCAA history to exceed 400,000 in total baseball attendance in a season.^[32]

Average Attendance: As of the 2018 baseball season, LSU finished No. 1 in the final average attendance rankings for the 22nd time in 23 years (Arkansas finished No. 1 in average attendance in 2007). In 2018, LSU averaged 10,786 tickets sold per game.^[31]

Largest Home Attendance: LSU's paid attendance figure of 13,068 for the LSU-Tennessee game on March 30, 2023, established a school record.^[33] LSU defeated Tennessee, 5-2.

LSU introduced gold jerseys for the 1996 post-season. The Tigers went on to win their 3rd National Championship that year while wearing the gold jerseys in the championship game. The jerseys became part of LSU Baseball lore when with 2 outs and a runner on third base with LSU losing 8–7 in the bottom of the 9th inning, LSU's Warren Morris swung at the first pitch and lined the ball just inches over the right field fence for a game winning walk-off home run. This was his first home run of the season as he had missed 39 games with a broken bone in his hand. The jerseys became more ingrained in LSU lore when the Tigers also wore them during the 1997 post-season which resulted in another national championship, the program's 4th. After the 1996 and 1997 National Championships, the baseball program reserved the gold jerseys for select games.

Under head coach Paul Mainieri, the team wears the gold jerseys regularly on the third game of a three-game series, as well as during important tournament games. One such game was game 3 of the 2009 College World Series Finals versus the Texas Longhorns. The Tigers defeated the Longhorns 11–4 to win the programs 6th National Championship wearing the gold jerseys.

The LSU Bat Girls are a support squad that contributes to the LSU Baseball program. The Bat Girls consist of 30 individuals who work in teams of 10 at all home games, post-season games and various charity events. The squad serves as hostesses at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field and their responsibilities include selling game day programs, recovering foul balls, retrieving bats and helmets, answering fans questions, assisting with game day promotions and giveaways and checking on umpires. They also assist the athletic department with many different aspects of the game such as attending coaches committee meetings.

Tailgating is found across campus with many fans tailgating in the same spot year after year. Some tailgaters form affiliations or organizations and name their "tailgating krewes".^[34]

LSU has continually been ranked as the top tailgating location in the country.

Visiting team supporters can be heckled and chants of "Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait!" are sometimes directed at opposing teams' fans. The opposing fans who take the jeers and jaunts with a sporting disposition will be invited to join in on the party, the drink, the regional Cajun cuisine, the spirit of Baton Rouge, and the vibrant tradition of LSU sports.[34] During baseball season some fans will tailgate for the entire three days of a weekend series.

Chris "Mouth of the South" Guillot will lead chants of "Here We Go Tigers" and others to cheer on the LSU Tigers and distract opponents.^[37] Chris graduated from LSU in 1986 and rarely misses any games.

Anita "K-Lady" Haywood is known for hanging "K" signs in the stands that denote strikeouts by LSU pitchers.^[37] Anita graduated from Louisiana Tech University, but grew up in Baton Rouge and began attending LSU baseball games regularly after meeting her husband who loved LSU baseball. Originally homemade, her current wooden "K" signs were given to her by the Coaches Committee in 1992, the Official Booster Club of LSU Baseball.

Jerry "The Birdman" Padgett can be found chirping at home games.^[38] Often heard, but rarely seen, he has been whistling at LSU baseball games since at least the 1990s. His whistles are similar to that of a song bird.

Joy “Sign Lady” Hammatt is known for going to the College World Series in Omaha just about every time LSU goes, her tailgating, and of course her signs.^[39]

Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field, current LSU's venue

The Intimidator behind the right field fence in Alex Box Stadium

Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field is a

Alex Box Stadium was a baseball stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was the home field of the Louisiana State University Tigers college baseball team from 1938 to 2008. It was most notable for The Intimidator, a large billboard behind the right-field fence featuring the six years in which LSU had won the College World Series while playing in the stadium. The field was also notable for giving up many home runs due to the high humidity of Louisiana, the prevailing winds out of the south which push balls hit to left field out of the park, and the short fences (the dimensions were believed to be anywhere from 7–10 feet shorter than what was posted on the fences).^[41]

For the 1936 and 1937 seasons, LSU Baseball played on its second diamond on the new Baton Rouge campus.^[42] The playing field was located north of Tiger Stadium and was equipped with wooden bleachers.^[42]

From 1929 to 1936, the LSU Baseball team played their home games on a field located on the Campanile Parade Grounds.^[42]

State Field was the home field for the LSU baseball team from 1893 to 1924. The field was located on the old downtown campus of LSU. It was located south of the

The Worley Family Batting Cage Pavilion holds the LSU indoor batting cages behind the right field wall at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. The facility allows the Tigers baseball team to practice year-round without interference from inclement weather.

The LSU Tigers baseball team weight room is over 10,000 square feet^[45] and includes multi-purpose flat surface platform, bench, incline, squat and Olympic lifting stations along with dumbbell bench stations.^[46] It is also equipped with medicine balls, hurdles, plyometric boxes, assorted speed and agility equipment, treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical cross trainers. The weight room features multiple high-definition TV's for multimedia presentations. It is located in the LSU Football Operations Center.

• Records are through the end of the 2024 Season

*Through the end of the 2022 season.
*Final Rankings are from Collegiate Baseball Division I Final Polls (1959–2022)
Sources:^[47][48]

• The
  NCAA Division I baseball tournament
  started in 1947.
• The
  format
  of the tournament has changed through the years.

• College World Series: 46–29 (.613)
• NCAA Super Regionals: 20–16 (.556)
• NCAA Regionals: 108–27 (.800)

Sources: ^[49]

The following is a listing of the selections listed in the 2015 LSU Baseball Media Guide on LSUsports.net.^[50]

The following is a listing of LSU players selected as national freshmen of the year.^[51][52][53]

The following is a listing of LSU players that were selected to the all-tournament teams during the College World Series.^[54]

Legend

• ^ denotes player was named MOP of the College World Series^[55]
  • denotes selection to College World Series All-Decade team^[56]

The LSU Tigers baseball team has had 83 players reach

• List of NCAA Division I baseball programs

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to LSU Tigers baseball.

• Official website

30°24′20.4″N 91°11′17.1″W / 30.405667°N 91.188083°W / 30.405667; -91.188083