With just 37 days left until the LSU Tigers take the field for the 2025 season, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit one of the greatest seasons in LSU baseball history: the legendary 1991 National Championship campaign. Back then, Alex Box Stadium was the place to be—a fortress where the Tigers dominated, racking up a stellar 33-4 home record over 37 games. This team had everything: swagger, talent, and a whole lot of grit.

Locking Down Alex Box Stadium

Let’s talk about the vibe at Alex Box Stadium in 1991. The Tigers turned their home field into an absolute fortress. Winning 33 out of 37 games at home? That’s no joke. SEC rivals and national powerhouses came to Baton Rouge thinking they could hang, but most of them left shaking their heads.

From clutch hitting to lights-out pitching, this team had it all. And the fans? Oh, they were electric. Whether it was a midweek game or a weekend SEC showdown, the energy in the Box was always on another level. It’s no wonder the Tigers fed off that and turned Alex Box into a house of horrors for opponents.

Freshman Spotlight: Ronnie Rantz

Every great team has its young guns, and the 1991 Tigers had one in Ronnie Rantz. Fresh out of Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria, Rantz brought a little local flavor to the squad. While he was just getting started in his LSU journey, being part of a championship-winning team gave him a front-row seat to greatness.

Rantz didn’t stop there. He’s now a household name in Louisiana sports as a broadcaster and the CEO of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. But in 1991, he was just a freshman soaking up the experience and contributing to one of the greatest teams in college baseball history.

MLB Dreams Realized in 1991

The 1991 LSU Tigers weren’t just college stars—they were a breeding ground for future MLB talent. That year’s draft was proof of just how stacked this roster was. Here’s a quick look at the Tigers who got the call to the pros in 1991:

Chad Ogea – RHP

Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Indians, Ogea was a beast on the mound. He had a knack for coming up big in pressure situations, and his talent translated to the pros.

Paul Byrd – RHP

Byrd went in the fourth round, also to the Cleveland Indians. Known for his savvy pitching and leadership, Byrd was a cornerstone of LSU’s success that year.

Lyle Mouton – OF

Mouton’s bat did the talking, and the Yankees took notice, grabbing him in the fifth round. His mix of power and consistency made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

Mark LaRosa – LHP

A reliable lefty, LaRosa was drafted in the eighth round by the Montreal Expos. He gave the Tigers depth on the mound and always delivered when called upon.

Gary Hymel – C

Hymel was the general behind the plate, and the Expos snagged him in the 14th round. His leadership and clutch performances were key to LSU’s championship run.

Chris Moock – OF

Moock went in the 79th round to the Yankees. While he didn’t sign, his contributions to the 1991 team were a big part of their success.

The Omaha Journey

Getting to Omaha is never easy, but the 1991 Tigers made it look like destiny. They battled through a tough schedule, took care of business in the postseason, and punched their ticket to the College World Series. Once there, they weren’t just happy to be part of the show—they stole the whole thing.

In the championship game, LSU squared off against Wichita State and left no doubt about who was the best team in the nation. That win marked the program’s first national title and set the bar for future LSU squads.

The Legacy Lives On

The 1991 Tigers didn’t just win—they built a legacy. Skip Bertman’s leadership, combined with the sheer talent and determination of his players, created a blueprint for success that LSU still follows today. Many players from that team went on to pro careers, coaching gigs, and other roles that continue to impact the game.

Even now, you can feel the ripple effects of that championship season. It’s in the roar of the crowd at Alex Box, in the swagger of the players who don the purple and gold, and in the expectation that LSU baseball isn’t just a team—it’s a Power House.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Fast forward to today, and the 2025 Tigers are gearing up for another run at glory. They’ve got a loaded roster, a killer schedule, and the same fire that’s driven LSU baseball for decades. As fans count down these final 37 days, the memories of 1991 aren’t just nostalgia—they’re a reminder of what’s possible.

So here’s to another season of hard hits, nasty curveballs, and unforgettable moments at Alex Box Stadium. Geaux Tigers!