In 1987, my restrooms were enlarged and new concession stands were built. I remember all the Tiger players trading in their jerseys and cleats for shorts and a paint brush. Skip would also help out, cleaning, painting, doing whatever it took to get me in condition for the following season. In 1991, something magical hit Tigerland I just had a feeling something magical was about to happen. My Tigers had such a successful season; I got to host a NCAA Regional for only the second time. The Tigers went on to win the Regional and claim their first National Championship. Little did I know this would be the first of five in a span of just 10 years.
The Tigers played so well during that span, I was forced to work overtime as the Tigers hosted a Regional for 16 consecutive years. Now, I use the word “forced” very loosely It was by no means a chore, it was a welcome sight. During that span I made more friends than I knew what to do with. In 1992, they added more bleachers to accommodate all the people wanting to come visit, and in 1997, the “Intimidator” was added to commemorate LSU’s College World Series titles (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000). To this day, the “Intimidator” is my most recognizable feature. In 1999, my scoreboard was moved to right-center field to make room for even more Tiger fans wanting to visit. Those final bleachers pushed my capacity to 7,760, and every ticket is sold every year. As a matter of fact, I am the most popular place for college baseball, attracting the most fans in the country for 12 seasons straight! I remember the 1996 Regional; my Tigers scored 18 runs in a single inning to beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 29-13.
To this day, the Tigers still hold the NCAA record for most hits in an inning (13) and most doubles in an inning (eight). On July 24, 2002, we lost a great player and an even better friend. I remember all the flowers that were brought right outside my gates, all in memory of Wally Pontiff Jr. He was everything LSU looks for in a player, and he was taken away too soon. We will never forget what Wally did for LSU, and I always think of him when I see that “31” on the centerfield fence Never has one number meant so much. We all miss you Wally. In 2003, we hosted UNC Wilmington in the Super Regional The Seahawks were great sportsmen throughout the series. The Tigers defeated the Seahawks, but asked the players to join them for a victory lap around the yard. It was a great sight to see all the Tiger fans high-fiving and shaking hands with that great group of guys. I even heard that when they returned to North Carolina, several players and fans wrote thank you notes, explaining how LSU had the best fans in college baseball. This was no new news to me, but it was great to see that others were taking notice. I can’t sit here and be selfish claiming any of the glory.
After all, I am just concrete, steel, and dirt. It is the fans that make this place what it is It’s the fans that show up rain or shine. It’s the fans that cheer for the great plays, whether it’s a Tiger or an opponent. It’s the fans that tailgate all weekend long, cooking jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish etoufee’, fried fish, and wash all that delicious food down with cold beverages of their choice. This is LSU, things are certainly different around here There is no offseason. I even get visitors on Saturday’s in the fall, when that stadium across the street gets roaring. Unfortunately, I am no longer a spring chicken.
