Baton Rouge, Louisiana – In a moment that transcended the usual post-game press conference rhetoric, LSU Baseball Head Coach Jay Johnson delivered a deeply emotional and profoundly respectful tribute to the living legend, Skip Bertman, unequivocally declaring him the greatest collegiate coach of all time. The sentiment was amplified by a heartfelt recognition of Bertman’s late wife, Sandy Bertman, making for an incredibly poignant and emotional occasion for the entire Bertman family and the vast LSU faithful.
The scene unfolded following a significant LSU victory, a 12-5 triumph over Missouri to open SEC play on a Friday night at Alex Box Stadium/Skip Bertman Field. While reporters were keen to ask about the game, the pitching performance, or the team’s ongoing trajectory, Coach Johnson steered the conversation immediately to a more solemn yet incredibly meaningful topic. He wanted to talk about the Bertmans, and specifically, about the recent passing of Sandy Bertman just the day before.
“I’ll talk about that in a second,” Johnson began, cutting short a question about his winning pitcher, Kade Anderson. “I want to talk about Mrs. Sandy Bertman first.”
His voice, typically composed and analytical, carried a noticeable tremor, conveying the weight of the moment and the personal impact of Sandy’s passing. Sandy Schwartz Bertman, the wife of former LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman for an astounding 63 years, had died on Thursday night in Baton Rouge after battling cancer at the age of 87. It was a loss that resonated deeply within the LSU community, reaching far beyond the baseball diamond.
“It’s been a tough night, tough 24 hours,” Johnson continued, addressing the gravity of the situation. “And I just want to make sure every player that played for Skip, who built this into a powerhouse, every fan, just knows that win today was for her.”
This declaration set the tone for a powerful tribute that underscored the profound respect Jay Johnson holds for the Bertman legacy. He spoke not just as the current head coach of a program Skip Bertman built, but as someone who understands the monumental debt owed to the man and his beloved wife.
Johnson then expanded on his personal relationship with Skip Bertman, a bond that has clearly grown beyond mere professional courtesy into genuine friendship and mentorship. “I have referenced this several times,” Johnson stated. “Personally, the coolest part of this job is the relationship I have with Skip. He was one of my heroes as a young coach, and now to have a friendship, a mentorship, the relationship that I have with coach Bertman is amazing. And she was a very big part of that from the second we landed here.”
This is a crucial insight into the respect and collaboration that defines the current era of LSU baseball. Johnson isn’t just following in Bertman’s footsteps; he’s actively engaging with the man who forged the path, seeking wisdom and guidance from a true master of the craft. And Sandy, as Johnson eloquently put it, was an integral part of that connection, providing warmth and support that transcended the technical aspects of baseball.
“It didn’t take long to figure out how critical she was to all of this here happening,” Johnson added, reflecting on Sandy’s quiet but immense influence. He noted how former players – legendary figures like Doug Thompson, Pete Bush, and Ryan Theriot, all of whom have become close friends with Johnson – consistently speak of both Coach Bertman and “Mrs. Sandy” with equal reverence. “So, that was for her,” Johnson concluded, referring to the win, and then made a remarkable gesture: he dedicated the “Magic Moment” award, an honor he typically gives to a player or players after each win, to Sandy Bertman.
The stadium further honored Sandy, displaying a picture of her and Skip at the original Alex Box Stadium, riding off into the sunset in a ’57 Chevy after Skip’s last regular season home game in 2001. The image, accompanied by the words “SANDY BERTMAN – 1938-2025,” remained on the scoreboard long after the game ended, a silent but powerful testament to her enduring presence.
Jay Johnson’s declaration of Skip Bertman as the “best collegiate coach of all time” is not mere hyperbole; it’s a recognition of a truly unparalleled legacy. Bertman’s 18-year tenure as LSU’s head baseball coach (1984-2001) transformed a regional program into an undeniable national powerhouse. His achievements are staggering:
- Five NCAA College World Series Championships: (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000). Bertman is one of only three coaches in history (alongside Rod Dedeaux of USC and Augie Garrido of Texas) to win five CWS titles.
- 11 College World Series Appearances: In 15 years from 1986-2000, showcasing incredible consistency at the pinnacle of the sport.
- Seven SEC Championships: Dominating the toughest conference in college baseball.
- A Phenomenal Record: An overall record of 870-330-3 (.724) and an astounding 89-29 (.754) record in NCAA Tournament play, holding the highest winning percentage in NCAA history.
- National Coach of the Year Honors: Six times, a testament to his consistent excellence.
- Builder of “The Box”: Bertman was instrumental in creating the electric atmosphere and drawing massive crowds to Alex Box Stadium, with LSU leading the nation in attendance in his final six seasons. The field at the new stadium is now officially “Skip Bertman Field.”
- Olympic Coach: He led the 1996 U.S. Olympic team to a bronze medal.
- Athletic Director: After his coaching career, Bertman served as LSU’s athletic director from 2001-2008, overseeing a period of immense success across all sports, including hiring Nick Saban as football coach, a move that directly led to LSU’s 2003 BCS National Championship.
Bertman’s impact wasn’t just in the numbers. He instilled a culture of aggressive play, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering confidence. He taught his players how to win “big games,” evidenced by his remarkable 20-1 record in championship games in NCAA post-season play. He was a master motivator, a shrewd tactician, and a visionary who fundamentally changed the landscape of college baseball. His induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame are fitting recognitions of his unparalleled contributions.
The emotional tribute from Jay Johnson underscored that Skip Bertman’s success was never a solo act. Behind every great man, there’s often a supportive partner, and for Skip, that was Sandy. She was the steady presence, the quiet strength, the pillar of support that allowed Skip to dedicate himself so fully to building the LSU baseball dynasty. Former players speak of her warmth, her kindness, and her integral role in creating the family atmosphere that characterized Bertman’s teams. She was a mother figure to many young men who passed through the program, a confidante, and a consistent source of encouragement.
For the Bertman family, including their four daughters, this occasion would have been filled with mixed emotions. Pride in Skip’s well-deserved recognition, coupled with the raw grief of losing Sandy. Jay Johnson’s public acknowledgment of Sandy’s critical role in the LSU baseball story would undoubtedly provide immense comfort and validation. It ensures that her contribution, though perhaps less visible to the public, is eternally etched into the program’s storied history.
Jay Johnson, who led LSU to its 8th national title in 2023, understands the weight of the legacy he now carries. By recognizing Bertman as the best collegiate coach of all time, he shows humility and a deep appreciation for the foundation upon which he is building. By honoring Sandy Bertman, he demonstrates a profound respect for the entire Bertman family and the personal sacrifices made to achieve such greatness. This emotional moment served as a powerful reminder that while games are played and championships are won, the human connections and the enduring legacies of those who build extraordinary programs are what truly resonate. The Bertman name, intertwined with the very fabric of LSU baseball, will forever be celebrated on the Bayou.
