It was sadly confirmed Friday morning that legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman passed away at the age of 88.
Bertman started his coaching tenure at LSU in 1984 and led the program to five national championships and seven SEC titles. He then stepped down from coaching in 2001 to become the university's athletic director.
Even though Bertman had a nice run as LSU's athletic director, it was his coaching that truly made him a legend in Baton Rouge. After all, he finished his coaching tenure with a .754 winning percentage in NCAA tournament play.
“Coach Skip Bertman was an incredible ambassador for LSU,” former Tigers pitcher Billy Brian said, via WAFB. “His impact on LSU and college baseball is immeasurable. Most everyone knows Coach Bertman for his baseball knowledge and dominance. Former players know him as a role model, great father and husband. The legacy of Coach Bertman will live forever.”
Tributes pouring in for Bertman.
Countless fans and media members have shared their fondest thoughts about Bertman over the past few hours.
"Haven’t been star struck many times in my life, but meeting Skip Bertman was perhaps at the top of the list. A true legend of the game, and one of the greatest coaches in college sports history Skip built LSU Baseball and in many ways SEC Baseball as a whole," ESPN's Peter Burns wrote on X.
"My heart is broken this morning….we have lost Coach Bertman. The best to ever fill out a lineup card….the man who changed college baseball forever and the man who built the best baseball program in the country," Ben McDonald of SEC Network said.
"Skip was simply the best. One of the most important and influential people in the history of college baseball. I cherished every minute that I was able to spend with him over the years. The voice that needed no introduction, you knew who it was the minute he spoke. While his voice may now be silent, his impact on college baseball will be felt for generations. Rest easy and thank you Skip," Kyle Peterson of ESPN added.
Bertman is survived by his daughters Jan, Jodi and Lori. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
