For decades, the LSU Tigers baseball program has been synonymous with excellence, dominance, and an unwavering commitment to winning at the highest level. That legacy was further solidified as LSU secured its 20th trip to the College World Series (CWS), becoming just the seventh program in NCAA history to reach that milestone. More impressively, the Tigers stand alone as the only program to achieve 20 CWS appearances in the last 40 seasons (1986-2025), a testament to their sustained dominance in college baseball.
A Tradition of Excellence
LSU’s journey to becoming one of the most storied programs in college baseball began long before their first CWS appearance in 1986. However, it was under the leadership of legendary coach Skip Bertman that the Tigers truly transformed into a national powerhouse. Bertman took over the program in 1984 and quickly turned LSU into a perennial contender, leading the Tigers to their first CWS in 1986. From that point forward, LSU became a fixture in Omaha, Nebraska, the hallowed grounds of college baseball’s grandest stage.
Bertman’s tenure (1984-2001) laid the foundation for LSU’s sustained success, as he guided the Tigers to five national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000) and 11 CWS appearances. His ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and instill a winning culture set the standard for future generations of LSU baseball.
Sustained Dominance in the Modern Era
While many programs experience peaks and valleys, LSU has remained remarkably consistent over the past four decades. After Bertman’s retirement, the Tigers continued their winning ways under coaches Smoke Laval (2002-2006), Paul Mainieri (2007-2021), and now Jay Johnson (2022-present). Each coach has contributed to LSU’s legacy, ensuring that the program never strayed far from championship contention.
Mainieri’s tenure, in particular, was a golden era for LSU baseball. He led the Tigers to the 2009 national championship and five CWS appearances, reinforcing LSU’s reputation as a program built for Omaha. Under his guidance, players like Alex Bregman, Aaron Nola, and Antoine Duplantis became household names, further elevating LSU’s profile in college baseball.
Now, under Jay Johnson, the Tigers have quickly reasserted themselves as a national force. After taking over in 2022, Johnson led LSU to a national championship in 2023, powered by one of the most talented rosters in college baseball history, featuring stars like Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews. The 2025 CWS appearance marks Johnson’s second trip in four seasons, proving that LSU’s dominance is far from over.
The Significance of 20 Trips in 40 Years
LSU’s achievement of 20 CWS appearances in the last 40 years is unparalleled in college baseball. No other program has been as consistently elite over that span. Traditional powerhouses like Texas, Miami, and Arizona State have storied histories, but none have matched LSU’s frequency of reaching Omaha in the modern era.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the level of competition in college baseball today. The sport has grown exponentially, with more programs investing heavily in facilities, recruiting, and coaching. Yet, LSU has remained a step ahead, adapting to changes in the game while maintaining its championship DNA.
The Omaha Mystique
For LSU fans, Omaha isn’t just a destination—it’s an expectation. The Tigers have cultivated a reputation for playing their best baseball when it matters most, often turning the CWS into a home away from home. The sea of purple and gold in the stands at Charles Schwab Field is a testament to the program’s passionate fan base, which travels in droves to support their team.
LSU’s success in Omaha has also been defined by unforgettable moments. From Warren Morris’ walk-off home run to win the 1996 national championship to Paul Skenes’ dominant pitching performances in 2023, the Tigers have provided some of the most iconic highlights in CWS history.
