A gathering at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday evening turned into a heartfelt tribute to Skip Bertman, the legendary LSU baseball coach who guided the Tigers to multiple national championships and left an indelible mark on college baseball.
Voices from the Dugout
Former players Blair Barbier, Mike Papajohn, Ronnie Rantz, Doug Thompson and Rick Greene stepped onto the stage, each sharing a personal glimpse of the man who demanded excellence both on and off the field.
They spoke of predawn workouts, the unrelenting standards, and the camaraderie that turned a team into a family, noting that Bertman’s influence extended far beyond baseball statistics.
The ceremony was broadcast live on WAFB, the 9News app and Roku, allowing alumni and fans across the country to join the remembrance and reflect on a career that reshaped college baseball.
As the night drew to a close, the former Tigers expressed what they will miss most — Bertman’s steady presence, his demanding yet supportive guidance, and the enduring sense of belonging that still echoes through the LSU baseball program.