Stanley 'Skip' Bertman, the Hall of Fame‑inducted coach who transformed LSU’s baseball program into a national powerhouse, died on Friday, June 2025, at the age of 88.
A Career Defined by Championships
From 1984 to 2001 he guided the Tigers to five College World Series titles in just 11 appearances, compiling a 870‑330‑3 record that placed him among the winningest coaches in collegiate baseball history.
His .724 win percentage and six National Coach of the Year awards, along with seven SEC Coach of the Year honors, underscored the sustained excellence he achieved at the Baton Rouge campus.
The Ripple Effect on LSU and Beyond
Bertman’s influence extended far beyond the diamond; his methods forged a championship culture that still shapes LSU Athletics today. The program’s dominance attracted recruits from across the country and set a benchmark for college baseball.
In recognition of his contributions, the university retired his No. 15 jersey and christened two campus landmarks — Skip Bertman Drive and Skip Bertman Field — in his honor.
Remembered by Family and Peers
He is survived by his daughters Jan, Jodi and Lori, and grandchildren Sophie, Isaac, Sam and Ezra. His wife, Sandy, had passed away earlier in March 2025.
Tributes have poured in from across the sport. Verge Ausberry, LSU’s senior associate athletic director, and Jay Johnson, the current head coach, both spoke of Bertman’s mentorship and the indelible mark he left on the program.