LSU Wins National Championships in Baseball
LSU has a long and storied history of success in college baseball. The Tigers have won six national championships since 1991, making them one of the most successful college baseball programs of all time. The following article will explore the years in which LSU won these championships, as well as the key players and coaches who made it all possible.
LSU’s First National Title in 1991
LSU’s first national championship came in 1991, when they defeated Wichita State in the College World Series. Led by head coach Skip Bertman, the Tigers were the top-ranked team in the nation for most of the season. They were led by All-American pitcher Ben McDonald, who threw a complete game in the championship game. Other key players included future Major League Baseball stars Todd Walker, Warren Morris, and Chad Ogea.
1995 National Title
In 1995, LSU won their second national championship with a victory over Cal State Fullerton in the College World Series. The team was led by head coach Skip Bertman, who had previously led the Tigers to the 1991 title. The team was ranked No. 1 in the nation for much of the season and featured future Major League Baseball stars Kurt Ainsworth and Brad Wilkerson. The team also featured a strong pitching staff, which included future all-star Mike Sirotka.
1996 National Championship
In 1996, LSU won their third national championship, beating Miami in the College World Series. This was the second championship in a row for the Tigers, who were led by head coach Skip Bertman. The team was led by All-American pitcher Ben Sheets, who threw a complete game in the championship game. Other key players on the team included future Major League Baseball stars Warren Morris, Chad Ogea, and Brad Wilkerson.
1997 National Title
LSU won their fourth national championship in 1997, defeating Alabama in the College World Series. The team was led by head coach Skip Bertman, who had previously led the Tigers to three consecutive national championships. The team was led by All-American pitcher Ben Sheets, who threw a complete game in the championship game. Other key players on the team included future Major League Baseball stars Kurt Ainsworth, Brad Wilkerson, and Mike Sirotka.
2000 National Title
In 2000, LSU won their fifth national championship, beating Stanford in the College World Series. The team was led by head coach Skip Bertman, who had previously led the Tigers to four consecutive national championships. The team was led by All-American pitcher Ben Sheets, who threw a complete game in the championship game. Other key players on the team included future Major League Baseball stars Brad Wilkerson, Mike Sirotka, and Jason Vargas.
2009 National Title
LSU won their sixth national championship in 2009, defeating Texas in the College World Series. The team was led by head coach Paul Mainieri, who had previously led the Tigers to the 2000 title. The team was led by All-American pitcher Anthony Ranaudo, who threw a complete game in the championship game. Other key players on the team included future Major League Baseball stars Louis Coleman, Micah Gibbs, and Ryan Schimpf.
Notable Players and Coaches
Throughout the years, LSU has been blessed with some of the greatest players and coaches in college baseball. Some of the most notable players include Ben McDonald (1991), Kurt Ainsworth (1995 & 1997), Brad Wilkerson (1995 & 1996), Ben Sheets (1996, 1997, & 2000), Mike Sirotka (1995, 1997, & 2000), Anthony Ranaudo (2009), and Louis Coleman (2009). In addition, the program has been led by some of the greatest coaches in college baseball history, including Skip Bertman (1991, 1995, 1996, & 1997) and Paul Mainieri (2000 & 2009).
LSU’s Legacy in College Baseball
LSU’s six national championships are a testament to the program’s success and longevity. The Tigers have been one of the most successful and dominant college baseball programs in the nation for decades, and their six titles are evidence of their success. With a number of great players and coaches having passed through the program, LSU’s legacy in college baseball is sure to continue for many years to come.
LSU Baseball in the 2020s
The 2020s are shaping up to be a memorable decade for LSU baseball. The Tigers have made the College World Series in three of the last four years, and the program is experiencing a new wave of success under head coach Paul Mainieri. With a strong core of players and a proven coach at the helm, LSU baseball looks poised to add to its legacy of success in the coming years.
Conclusion
LSU has been one of the most successful college baseball programs of the past three decades, winning six national championships since 1991. The Tigers have been led by some of the greatest players and coaches in college baseball, and their legacy of success looks set to continue for many years to come.
LSU National Championship Years in Baseball
- 1991 – Wichita State
- 1995 – Cal State Fullerton
- 1996 – Miami
- 1997 – Alabama
- 2000 – Stanford
- 2009 – Texas