A History of the NCAA Baseball Regional in Baton Rouge

The NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament is a 64-team competition that begins in late May, with the ultimate goal of reaching the College World Series (CWS) in Omaha, Nebraska. The LSU Tigers baseball team, representing Louisiana State University, is a major force in college baseball, boasting seven national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009, 2023), second only to USC in NCAA history. With a storied history and passionate fanbase, Baton Rouge has become a familiar and formidable host site for NCAA Regional tournaments. This article delves into the history of the NCAA Baseball Regional in Baton Rouge, exploring its evolution, key moments, and the impact it has had on the LSU program and college baseball as a whole.

Early Years and the Road to Omaha

The first NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was held in 1947, featuring just eight teams divided into two four-team, single-elimination brackets. The two winners then competed in a best-of-three final. Since 1954, the tournament field has been split into automatic berths and at-large selections.

LSU's journey to becoming a college baseball powerhouse began in earnest with coaches like C.C. Stroud and Harry Rabenhorst. Stroud, who coached from 1914 to 1921, laid some of the early groundwork. Rabenhorst, the longest-tenured head baseball coach in LSU history, won two SEC titles and earned SEC Coach of the Year honors twice. His contributions from 1927 to 1956 (with a break for World War II service) helped solidify LSU's baseball program.

In 1938, LSU's new baseball stadium, originally referred to as LSU Diamond or LSU Varsity Baseball Field, opened, providing a dedicated home for the team.

The Bertman Era: A Dynasty is Born

The modern era of LSU baseball is synonymous with Skip Bertman, who coached the Tigers from 1984 to 2001. Bertman transformed the program into a national powerhouse, leading LSU to 11 College World Series appearances and five national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000).

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In Bertman's second season, 1985, the Tigers qualified for postseason play for the first time in ten years. By his third season, LSU made its first appearance in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, the first of 11 appearances during Bertman's 18-year career. The 1989 team defeated Texas A&M in a regional final to qualify for the College World Series, beginning a streak of 17 consecutive postseason appearances.

The 1991 Tigers, with President George H.W. Bush in attendance at a game, captured the program's first national title.

The 1996 Championship Run

In 1996, despite entering the NCAA tournament on a two-game losing streak, LSU was selected as one of the eight regional host sites. The Tigers defeated Austin Peay, UNLV, and New Orleans before defeating Georgia Tech, 29-13, in the regional final. In the College World Series, they defeated Wichita State, 9-8, and then Florida, 9-4.

One of the most memorable moments in LSU baseball history occurred in the 1996 CWS final against Miami. With two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning and the tying run on third base, Warren Morris hit a walk-off home run to right field off of Miami freshman Robbie Morrison, securing a 9-8 victory.

The 1997 and 1998 Seasons

LSU entered the 1997 season attempting to become the first team to win consecutive national championships since Stanford in 1987 and 1988. In the South I Regional, LSU lost the winner's bracket final to South Alabama, meaning the team had to win three games within 24 hours to advance to the College World Series. The Tigers won a five-hour game against Long Beach State, 14-7 in 11 innings, in which Bertman was ejected in the eighth inning for arguing a balk call. There, the Tigers narrowly defeated Rice, but Larson's home run in the bottom of the seventh gave LSU a 5-4 victory.

In 1998, LSU hit 161 home runs. Eddy Furniss won the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation's most outstanding player and finished as the LSU and SEC all-time leader in home runs (80), RBI (308), hits (352), doubles (87) and total bases (689). The Tigers went undefeated in the South II Regional to reach the College World Series, seeking to become the first team to win three consecutive championships since USC won five consecutive from 1970 to 1974. LSU hit eight home runs in its first game in Omaha, defeating USC, 12-10, then hit six more in a 10-8 victory over SEC team Mississippi State.

The 2000 Championship

In 2000, LSU's regular season record was 39-17, and the team went undefeated in the SEC tournament to earn the #2 National seed in the NCAA tournament. LSU won the Baton Rouge Regional in three games, outscoring opponents 45-4. LSU began play at the College World Series with a 13-5 win over Texas. In game two, LSU defeated USC, 10-4. In the championship game on June 17, Stanford held an early 5-2 lead, but LSU scored three runs in the eighth inning with two home runs. LSU reliever Trey Hodges did not allow a run in the top of the ninth, his fourth scoreless inning of the game. In the bottom of the ninth, LSU led the inning off with a single and a walk to bring Brad Cresse to the plate with two runners on base. Cresse, who was 1-12 in the CWS prior to the at bat, hit a line drive single into left field to score Ryan Theriot from second, giving LSU its fifth national championship in 10 years. LSU had 5 players named to the All-Tournament team- Blair Barbier, Mike Fontenot, Brad Hawpe, Hodges, and Theriot.

Skip Bertman led the Tigers to a 44-22-1 mark during his final season as head coach in 2001. Bertman won 870 games, seven SEC titles, and 11 CWS appearances. His jersey number, 15, is one of four numbers retired by LSU. LSU also renamed a part of South Stadium Drive, between Nicholson and River Road, Skip Bertman Drive in his honor. In June 2002, Bertman was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in January 2003. After the end of the 2001 season, Bertman became LSU's athletic director. During his tenure, LSU won six total national championships and two BCS National Titles.

The Laval and Mainieri Eras

In anticipation of Bertman's retirement, Louisiana-Monroe coach Smoke Laval was brought on as an administrative assistant for the LSU baseball team in 2001 and succeeded Bertman as coach in 2002. Laval was returning to LSU where he served as an assistant coach under Bertman from 1984 to 1993. In 1993, Laval left LSU for ULM (then known as Northeast Louisiana). The expectations were lofty for Laval when he accepted the job as head coach at LSU. In his first year, Laval led the Tigers to a 44-22 record overall. The Tigers hosted a regional in Baton Rouge, which they won, and moved on to the Houston Super-Regional to face Rice, where their season ended. In 2003 and 2004, Laval would lead the Tigers to 45-22-1 and 46-19 overall record respectively. LSU would earn the No. 2 national seed in the 2003 tournament, and would host a super regional both years, meaning the road to Omaha went through Baton Rouge. LSU made the College World Series both years, but disappointed both years, posting an 0-2 record each year. In 2005, LSU struggled during the regular season despite a 40-22 record overall. The Tigers lost 12 games in SEC play and lost to Southern for only the second time in 41 tries. It was obvious that 2006 would be a critical year for Laval. However, that year would see LSU post a 35-24 mark overall, their worst since 1983. They also posted their first losing SEC record in 23 years and would miss the NCAA tournament for the first time in 18 years.

On June 28, 2006, Paul Mainieri was named the twenty-fifth head coach of LSU Baseball. Mainieri returned to Baton Rouge, where he began his career in college baseball 30 years earlier as a freshman at LSU in 1976. Mainieri finished his collegiate playing career at the University of New Orleans. Prior to his arrival at LSU, Mainieri coached St.

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In his first season at LSU, the Tigers posted a mark of 29-26-1. The season was full of ups and downs, with the Tigers winning four SEC series against Top 25 opponents, but struggling in non-conference play. In his second year, LSU was predicted to finish fifth in the SEC Western division by the SEC baseball coaches before the year started. Following an amazing turnaround, Coach Mainieri led LSU to the SEC Western Division championship with a conference record of 18-11-1, and the No. 2 seed in the 2008 SEC baseball tournament. The Tigers finished the regular season record at 39-16-1. The team won the 2008 SEC Tournament (held May 20-25 in Hoover, Alabama). By winning the SEC Tournament, LSU earned a 7th national seed in the NCAA tournament and extended the life of the old Alex Box Stadium as Baton Rouge hosted a regional bracket of the NCAA tournament. LSU swept the series, defeating Texas Southern (12-1) and Southern Miss (twice, 13-4 and 11-4) to win the regional bracket. As a result of the Regional, LSU and Baton Rouge earned a spot in the Super-Regional series, hosting UC-Irvine in the last three games to be played in the old Alex Box Stadium.

In the 2008 College World Series, No. 7 LSU faced the No. 2 North Carolina Tarheels in the first round, losing 8-4. The Tigers, facing elimination in a game against the Rice Owls, won in dramatic fashion, 6-5, continuing their string of come-from-behind victories. On June 20, 2008, after a rain delay of nearly 24 hours, UNC and LSU resumed their elimination game matchup, resulting in a 7-3 loss for LSU. The team was defeated after giving up the only grand slam in the 2008 CWS in the top of the ninth inning.

The 2009 season was the first for LSU playing at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. They started play at the College World Series and faced the Virginia Cavaliers in the first round, winning 9-5. In the winner's bracket game, LSU played the Arkansas Razorbacks and won by a score of 9-1. In a rematch, the Tigers beat the Razorbacks again by a score of 14-5, advancing to the CWS finals for the first time since 2000. They played against the Texas Longhorns in a best-of-three series for the title, and won Game 1, 7-6 in a dramatic comeback win in 11 innings. The Longhorns beat the Tigers in game 2, 5-1, to force a third and final game. The Tigers out-slugged the Longhorns 11-4 in game 3 to win their 6th National Championship and first since 2000.

Under Mainieri, the Tigers also played in the 2013 and 2015 College World Series. During the 2015 MLB Draft, Alex Bregman was selected by the Houston Astros with the second pick of the draft. In 2017, LSU played Florida in a best-of-three series to determine the winner of the 2017 College World Series. Mainieri retired following LSU's 2021 super regional loss to SEC rival Tennessee at Knoxville.

The Jay Johnson Era and Recent Success

The 2022 season saw the Tigers post a 40-22 overall record and a 3rd place finish in the SEC west. The team would suffer major losses such as sweeps to both Arkansas and eventual champion Ole Miss. The Tigers earned a berth at the Southern Miss Regional of the 2022 NCAA Division I baseball tournament, winning their first two games against Kennesaw St and regional host Southern Miss.

The 2023 season saw notable transfers come in such as DH Tommy White of NC State and RHP Paul Skenes of Air Force. Ranked Preseason #1 by D1 Baseball, the Tigers would hold this spot for 13 weeks until series losses to both Auburn and Mississippi State. After a 1-2 appearance at the 2023 Southeastern Conference baseball tournament, LSU would earn #5 national seed and host a Regional for the first time since 2019. With sweeps of their regional and a Super Regional versus Kentucky the Tigers would earn their first CWS appearance since 2017. LSU would go on to win their bracket in dramatic fashion against the #1 ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the bottom of the 11th inning with a walkoff by Tommy White.

In 2024, Johnson coached LSU to the regional championship in Chapel Hill, North Carolina against the host, North Carolina, coming up just short in extra innings in the final game of the regional.

2025: Another Championship

In 2025, Johnson was able to lead LSU back to the College World Series, marking its 20th appearance there, and another national championship. LSU went 0-2 versus Coastal Carolina in the 2016 Baton Rouge Super Regional. The Tigers lost Game 1 11-8, and in Game 2, they entered the seventh inning down 3-1. Still down one in the top of the ninth, center fielder Jake Fraley laid down a sacrifice bunt that ended with him barreling over the Chanticleers’ second baseman, who dropped the ball while covering first. The Tigers swept Coastal Carolina in the championship series, winning Game 1, 1-0, and Game 2, 5-3.

The 2025 MCWS featured two double-elimination brackets with two winners meeting in a best-of-three championship series.

Baton Rouge as a Host Site

Baton Rouge has consistently been a preferred location for NCAA Regionals, thanks to its passionate fanbase, excellent facilities, and the intimidating atmosphere of Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. This weekend marks the 28th NCAA regional held at Alex Box Stadium. Out of the 16 overall super regional appearances, Baton Rouge has hosted 12 of them.

"It’s a privilege to be playing baseball at this time of the season,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said. “I’m very excited to be playing here in Baton Rouge and coaching our guys. We’ve had a great season, and this is an awesome opportunity. Our team has played very well at home this season, and our players are excited to be back here."

The atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium is a significant advantage for the Tigers. "That’s why you play here,” pitching coach Nate Yeskie said. “This place tilts the playing field in your favor, and the energy, the excitement, the electricity."

Attendance Records

LSU's baseball program has consistently drawn large crowds. As of the 2018 baseball season, LSU had finished in the final college baseball total attendance rankings in 23 straight seasons. In 2013, LSU posted an NCAA-record total attendance figure of 473,298 in 43 games, which was 191,458 greater than second-place team Mississippi State (281,840). As of the 2018 baseball season, LSU finished No. 1 in the final average attendance rankings for the 22nd time in 23 years (Arkansas finished No. 1 in average attendance in 2007).

Traditions and Fan Culture

LSU baseball is more than just a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon. The LSU Bat Girls, a support squad of 30 individuals, contribute to the program by serving as hostesses at Alex Box Stadium, selling game day programs, retrieving foul balls, and assisting with game day promotions.

Tailgating is a significant part of the LSU baseball experience. Fans gather across campus, often in the same spot year after year, creating a festive atmosphere. LSU has consistently been ranked as the top tailgating location in the country. ESPN.com ranked LSU as the top tailgating destination in America. The Sporting News proclaimed "Saturday Night in Death Valley" and Tiger tailgating as the top tradition in college football. Sports Illustrated said, "When It Comes To Great Tailgating, Nothing Compares To LSU."

Gold Jerseys

LSU introduced gold jerseys for the 1996 post-season. The Tigers went on to win their 3rd National Championship that year while wearing the gold jerseys in the championship game. The jerseys became part of LSU Baseball lore when with 2 outs and a runner on third base with LSU losing 8-7 in the bottom of the 9th inning, LSU's Warren Morris swung at the first pitch and lined the ball just inches over the right field fence for a game winning walk-off home run. This was his first home run of the season as he had missed 39 games with a broken bone in his hand. The jerseys became more ingrained in LSU lore when the Tigers also wore them during the 1997 post-season which resulted in another national championship, the program's 4th. Under head coach Paul Mainieri, the team wears the gold jerseys regularly on the third game of a three-game series, as well as during important tournament games. One such game was game 3 of the 2009 College World Series Finals versus the Texas Longhorns.

Memorable Regional Matchups and Moments

Throughout the years, the Baton Rouge Regional has been the site of numerous memorable matchups and moments. These games have not only shaped LSU's baseball history but have also contributed to the overall narrative of college baseball.

2016 Super Regional vs. Coastal Carolina

LSU went 0-2 versus Coastal Carolina in the 2016 Baton Rouge Super Regional. The Tigers lost Game 1 11-8, and in Game 2, they entered the seventh inning down 3-1. Still down one in the top of the ninth, center fielder Jake Fraley laid down a sacrifice bunt that ended with him barreling over the Chanticleers’ second baseman, who dropped the ball while covering first.

2019 Super Regional vs. Florida State

LSU was eliminated in two games by Florida State in the 2019 Baton Rouge Super Regional. LSU returned the next day looking to force a Game 3 but trailed until the eighth inning, putting up two runs to tie it 4-4. Neither team could plate any runs in the three innings of free baseball.

2021 Eugene Regional

LSU won a regional on the road for the first time in the new supers era at the Eugene regional. Tennessee took Game 1 with a score of 4-2 behind a dominant performance on the mound from the Vols. The Tigers blasted six home runs in Game 1 to claim a 14-0 victory, and Paul Skenes pitched 7.2 scoreless innings in his last game at Alex Box.

The Super Regional Format

But super regionals weren’t always a stop on the road to Omaha. The format change evened out regional brackets to four teams each and added a best-of-three series called super regionals. This narrows down the 16 regional winners to the eight teams that play in the College World Series.

Looking Ahead

As LSU continues to build on its rich baseball tradition, the Baton Rouge Regional will undoubtedly remain a vital part of the program's pursuit of future championships. With its passionate fanbase, top-notch facilities, and the continued commitment of the university, Baton Rouge is poised to remain a premier destination for college baseball's premier tournament. The legacy of Skip Bertman, the success of Paul Mainieri, and the current leadership of Jay Johnson all contribute to the ongoing story of LSU baseball and its impact on the sport.

The Tigers have won seven baseball national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009, 2023), the second-most in NCAA history. LSU was a Top 8 national seed for an NCAA-record six straight seasons from 2012 to 2017, and this season marks its second Top 8 seed in the past three years. The Tigers were the No. 5 national seed in 2023 and went on to win the program’s seventh College World Series title.

While it may not look like the toughest regional on paper, every team in Baton Rouge will be giving LSU its best shot.

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