Stanley "Skip" Bertman, a key figure in the enduring college baseball program at LSU, has passed in the early morning of August 14. He was surrounded by his family and friends.
He died at the age of 88 after a brief hospitalization due to heart-related issues.
Who was Stanley Skip Bertman?
Bertman is celebrated as the architect of LSU Tiger baseball, having transformed the program from a mere afterthought in 1983 into a five-time national champion by the time he concluded his coaching career in 2001.
The Miami native led the Tigers to five NCAA College World Series championships (1991, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’00) during his tenure in Baton Rouge, and he played a pivotal role in establishing college baseball as a viable and profitable venture throughout the South, particularly within the Southeastern Conference.
His legacy extends well beyond the collegiate level, as countless young men in the Baton Rouge area grew up admiring his Tiger teams and pursuing their dreams each summer at Skip’s summer camps. Bertman’s influence in introducing the game to thousands of boys in South Louisiana can be credited for the widespread popularity of travel baseball that we observe today.
SEC Network documentary titled "SEC Storied" about Bertman
{{/usCountry}}SEC Network documentary titled "SEC Storied" about Bertman
{{/usCountry}}The esteemed LSU baseball coach was recognized for his "Hold The Rope" narrative, which was adapted by ESPN into an SEC Network documentary titled "SEC Storied" about Bertman, premiering in 2021.
Following his resignation as LSU baseball coach, Bertman transitioned into an administrative position, taking on the role of athletics director at LSU. In this capacity, Bertman oversaw the LSU football team, during which coach Nick Saban led the team to victory in the 2003 national championship.
Bertman was also responsible for hiring Les Miles, who succeeded Saban and subsequently secured the national title in 2007. Additionally, Paul Mainieri, another of Bertman's hires, guided the baseball program to victory in the 2009 College World Series. LSU's track coach, Dennis Shaver, achieved two national championships in 2008 and 2021, while LSU's golf coach, Chuck Winstead, claimed one title in 2015.
In March 2025, Bertman experienced the loss of his wife, Sandy. They had been married for 63 years.