Skip's accomplishments in the 1990s can't be overstated for LSU 'fandom'

What the man did was simply amazing. His first year,1984, was my SR year at LSU. No offense to the prior coach as he had virtually no backing from the school, but in 1983 or 1982 it wasn't unusal to see as many SE La, Nichols fans at the Box as LSU fans. Just zero buzz on campus for LSU baseball.

He almost got LSU in the SEC Tournament his first year (still had a 4 team format at that time) , then made the CWS in 1986--which no one ever thought would happen, and you know the rest.

But at that same time football and basketball were still king and baseball became 'popular' but still nothing like you see now. Then in the late 1980s LSU football began to struggle and generally produced some poor teams before ending a six year streak of losing seasons in 1995. Basketball, after four Elite 8s and two Final Fours from 1980-1987 began to disappoint. Support hadn't waned but even with amazing talent the team sputtered and disapponted. Basketball soon fell apart in 1994.

LSU baseball just took over the SEC and NCAA in baseball. Because of LSU's domination and CWS titles and other CWS appearances "LSU Baseball" distanced itself from college baseball being called a "niche sport." Throughout the 1990s when football and basketball provide some good moments but generally disappointment, LSU baseball became a source of pride. Even our SEC brethren when discussing LSU's football and basketball woes had to concede LSU baseball was a monster.

Thanks for all you did for LSU,Coach.