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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 14, 2026Miami-Dade

LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman dies at 88

Legendary LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman passed away at age 88 on Friday morning in Baton Rouge. Bertman is credited with transforming the LSU baseball program into a national powerhouse, securing five national championships during his 18-season tenure.

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Why It Matters

The passing of Skip Bertman marks the end of an era for LSU athletics, as he established the championship culture and infrastructure, including Alex Box Stadium, that continues to define the university's baseball program today.

Key Facts

  • Skip Bertman died at age 88 on Friday morning in a Baton Rouge hospital.
  • Bertman coached LSU baseball for 18 seasons, retiring in 2001 with a record of 870-330-3.
  • He led LSU to five national championships in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000.
  • He holds the highest NCAA Tournament winning percentage in history at .754.
  • Bertman served as LSU athletic director from 2001 until 2008, and later as athletic director emeritus.
  • He was the head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic baseball team, which won a bronze medal.
  • The Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award was established in 2013.
  • Bertman won the national coach of the year award six times between 1986 and 2000.
  • Alex Box Stadium opened in 2009 and the field was named for Bertman in 2013.

Who's Mentioned

personRon Fraser“Former Miami coach and Bertman's mentor.”personVerge Ausberry“LSU athletic director.”personStanley “Skip” Bertman“Former LSU baseball coach and athletic director who passed away at 88.”organizationLSU“Louisiana State University.”locationBaton Rouge“City where Bertman passed away.”locationAlex Box Stadium“LSU baseball stadium.”personMichael Bonnette“LSU spokesman.”personJay Johnson“Current LSU baseball coach.”