I had the honor of meeting Skip Bertman at Baumhowers just off campus in Tuscaloosa in 1997. The Tigers had just suffered one of their worst defeats of the season at the hands of the Tide. Although Skip had just experienced a rough day at the office, he took the time to shake my hand and chat for a little while before I left him to relax and shake off the loss. Skip is world class. There is no other way I can describe him. A fine gentleman and someone who well deserves the honor of having the field named after him. I have often felt that it was Skip Bertman's presence, his approach and his dedication that pressured the football program to eventually rise to the occasion. He later played a direct role in the program that we enjoy today. It was no surprise when I read the following in the Baton Rouge Advocate today. You don't need to read anything else to get a picture of the kind of class that is Skip Bertman. This man is the real deal and an inspiration. I have also been extremely proud and awed by the spirit of sportsmanship that is on display at the Box. It is something to behold and something that you will not see at any other stadium. It is something that should be embraced, expanded and heralded. Tiger Nation should be proud to carry the title of the best fans in College Baseball. From the Baton Rouge Advocate (http://theadvocate.com/sports/5995171-123/rabalais-nobody-did-it-better): After all the wins and the glory, the thing Bertman is proudest of may be surprising. “The fact that the fans clap for the other team is what I enjoy most,” said Bertman, who recalls having to tell fans in his early days they were umpires, not referees, calling the balls and strikes. “I love that. They give a standing ovation for a great pitching performance by the other team.” And if you need more proof of what an awesome experience it is ... call the kids from Stony Brook and ask them what it was like to be genuinely appreciated by your competition's fans. Thank you Skip!!
