Well, let me tell ya ’bout them LSU Tigers back in 1998. Now, I ain’t no fancy sports expert or nothin’, but I can sure tell you ’bout the names and the folks who made that team somethin’ special. Them boys played hard, and I reckon they sure made Baton Rouge proud. Now, LSU’s baseball team in 1998 had a roster full of players, each one bringin’ their own bit of grit to the field, and boy, did they put on a show that year!
The 1998 LSU baseball roster was a mix of young talent and seasoned players. Some were fresh outta high school, while others had already spent some time in the college ballgame. They all had one goal in mind, and that was to win big, and win big they did. Now, if you ask me, one of the most memorable moments from that year was how the Tigers really turned up the heat in the postseason. But let’s start with the names on that roster.
Pitchers
- Ben McDonald – Now this fella, he was somethin’ else. He was one of the top pitchers for LSU in ’98, always reliable and bringin’ his A-game to the mound. If you were lucky enough to see him pitch, you’d remember it for sure.
- Ronnie Cudd – Another pitcher who made a mark, Ronnie was steady on the mound and didn’t back down from a challenge. He had a way of makin’ the hitters sweat, I tell ya.
- Brian Tallet – A big fella, and he used that size to his advantage on the field. Big arm, big heart. He was a key player for LSU that season.
Catchers
- Brad Cresse – This young man was behind the plate for many of the Tigers’ big games. He had quick hands and a sharp eye, catchin’ pitches left and right.
- Michael Mims – He didn’t get as much time behind the plate, but when he did, he made sure he made it count. A solid backup who knew how to step up when needed.
Infielders
- Chris Phillips – Now, I don’t care who you are, you gotta respect a good shortstop, and Chris Phillips sure fit that bill. His glove work was slick, and he could turn a double play like nobody’s business.
- Warren Morris – A strong player at second base, Warren was one of them fellas you could always count on. He brought consistency to the team, and his bat didn’t let him down either.
- Clay Harris – Played first base and did it real well. Good on the field, good in the dugout, and always a threat at the plate. You didn’t wanna see Clay Harris comin’ up to bat when the game was on the line.
Outfielders
- Brad Hawpe – Out there in the outfield, Brad was always makin’ plays, whether it was catchin’ a fly ball or throwin’ a runner out at home plate. His bat was a weapon, too.
- Mike Fontenot – Played in the outfield and had some big moments for LSU in ‘98. He wasn’t afraid to lay down a bunt or swing for the fences.
- Blake Miller – Another strong outfielder who had a good eye at the plate. Blake played a big role on that 1998 LSU squad.
Now, I don’t wanna forget about the coaches neither. Skip Bertman was the head coach, and he knew a thing or two about winning. Under his leadership, LSU was a powerhouse in college baseball. That man knew how to bring out the best in his players, no doubt about it. He’d been with the team for years, and by 1998, he had built a winning culture that stuck.
The 1998 LSU Tigers baseball team might not have won it all, but they sure put on a show. That year they were a force to be reckoned with, makin’ their mark in college baseball. You could see it in the way they played – hard, fast, and with a passion that was hard to beat. And for anyone who remembers that season, they’ll tell you that LSU was more than just a team; they were a family, all fightin’ for the same thing. And that’s what makes a team great, don’t it?
So, if you ever get the chance to look back at the 1998 LSU baseball roster, you’ll see a bunch of names, but more importantly, you’ll see a group of guys who gave it their all. And I reckon that’s what makes the 1998 squad so special. They may not have won it all, but they sure played like winners.
Tags：[1998 LSU Baseball Roster, LSU Tigers, College Baseball, LSU Baseball History, LSU Sports, LSU Baseball Team, Skip Bertman, LSU Tigers 1998]
