Skip Bertman, the Hall of Fame coach who guided LSU’s baseball program to five national titles, died on Tuesday at the age of 88.
During his 18‑year tenure, Bertman compiled a staggering 870‑33‑3 record, a .754 winning percentage that remains the highest in NCAA tournament history, and he turned a program that had never captured a championship into a perennial powerhouse.
The Stadium That Bears His Name
In 2013 the university renamed Alex Box Stadium’s field in his honor; the venue now regularly fills to capacity, a testament to the enduring draw of his teams.
Bertman also led the United States to a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics, showcasing his ability to shape talent beyond the college ranks.
A native of Miami, he first made his mark at Miami Beach High School before playing collegiately at the University of Miami, a background that gave him a deep connection to the region.
From 1983 to 2008 he served as LSU’s Athletic Director, later assuming the title of Athletic Director Emeritus, and he was preceded in death by his wife Sandy and daughter Lisa.
The Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award, which he received six times between 1986 and 2000, continues to recognize excellence in collegiate coaching.
Although Bertman retired from day‑to‑day coaching, his influence persists; LSU captured its most recent national championship in 2025 under his protégés, underscoring a lineage of success that began with his vision.