For over a century, LSU baseball has become an institution in Louisiana and throughout the college baseball landscape. With six national championships and countless conference championships, the Tigers continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
The history of LSU baseball begins in 1893 when the team played their first official game against Tulane University. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that the team began to gain national recognition under coach Harry Rabenhorst. Under his leadership, the Tigers won two SEC championships and played in the program’s first College World Series in 1947.
In 1953, LSU hired the legendary coach Skip Bertman, who would go on to coach the team for 18 seasons. Under his leadership, the Tigers won five national championships, 11 SEC championships, and appeared in 16 College World Series. Bertman’s dedication to the program and his ability to recruit and train top-tier talent established LSU as a powerhouse in college baseball.
The Tigers’ most recent national championship came in 2009 under the leadership of coach Paul Mainieri, who took over the program in 2007. Mainieri has continued the legacy of success in Baton Rouge by leading the team to six SEC championships, two national championships, and 12 NCAA tournament appearances in his 15 years with the program.
One of the hallmarks of LSU baseball is their passionate fan base. Each game at Alex Box Stadium, also known as “The Box,” is an experience that fans will never forget. The stadium, which seats over 10,000 fans, is always packed with fans dressed in purple and gold ready to cheer on their beloved Tigers. The team’s fans are known for being some of the most enthusiastic and dedicated fans in all of college sports.
Another distinguishing feature of LSU baseball is their commitment to developing players who go on to have successful professional careers. Over 100 former Tigers have gone on to play in the major leagues, with several becoming all-stars and even winning World Series championships.
In recent years, the Tigers have continued to attract top-tier talent. In 2019, LSU had the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, led by three players selected in the first round of the MLB draft. This year’s team features several exciting young players, including freshman infielder Jordan Thompson, who was named SEC Freshman of the Week after a standout performance against Georgia.
The 2021 LSU baseball team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team finished with a record of 12-5 before the season was canceled, but Mainieri remains confident in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the Tigers have their sights set on another SEC championship and a return to the College World Series.
In conclusion, LSU baseball has a long and storied history that continues to evolve with each passing year. The program’s success on the field, passionate fan base, and dedication to developing top-tier talent have made it one of the most respected programs in all of college sports. As the Tigers continue to build on their rich history and work towards another national championship, fans can expect more thrilling games and unforgettable moments at with the LSU Tigers baseball team.