Remembering a Mentor
The late Skip Bertman, who guided LSU’s baseball program for three decades, was celebrated Thursday evening in a ceremony that blended nostalgia with gratitude. Former players gathered to share stories of his demanding yet transformative coaching style.
Blair Barbier, Mike Papajohn, Ronnie Rantz, Doug Thompson and Rick Greene, all alumni of the program, spoke of the discipline and confidence Bertman instilled in them, noting how his influence extended beyond the diamond.
The event, held at the PMAC at 7 p.m., welcomed family, friends, current athletes and fans alike, creating a communal space to reflect on the coach’s enduring contributions to college baseball.
While the ceremony was attended in person, it will also reach a national audience through a live feed on WAFB, the 9News app and Roku, ensuring that Bertman’s legacy resonates far beyond the stadium walls.
Organizers emphasized that the broadcast aims to unite viewers who grew up watching Bertman’s teams compete, allowing them to participate in the remembrance despite geographic distances.