
Los Angeles, California A brand-new documentary on the legendary history of the LSU Tigers baseball team has been made available on Netflix.
Los Angeles, California — The roar of the crowd, the clang of aluminum bats, and the sea of purple and gold — all come to life in Netflix’s newest sports documentary, Forever Tigers, which takes viewers deep into the storied history of the LSU Tigers baseball program. Released this past weekend, the documentary immediately struck a chord with fans, alumni, and baseball enthusiasts alike, highlighting not only the team’s incredible on-field accomplishments but also the culture, people, and moments that have made LSU baseball a collegiate powerhouse.
A Tradition Unlike Any Other
LSU’s baseball program isn’t just one of the most successful in NCAA history — it’s also one of the most beloved. Since the program’s rise in the 1980s, it has become synonymous with excellence, passion, and unforgettable postseason drama. Forever Tigers captures that ethos with riveting storytelling, emotional interviews, and rare archival footage that reaches all the way back to the early days of the program.
The documentary begins by transporting viewers to Alex Box Stadium, where generations of LSU fans have lived and breathed Tiger baseball. From the first national title in 1991 under head coach Skip Bertman to the program’s most recent championship triumph in 2023, Forever Tigers leaves no stone unturned.
Skip Bertman: The Architect of a Dynasty
A focal point of the documentary is, unsurprisingly, Skip Bertman — the coach who built LSU baseball into a juggernaut. Interviews with Bertman himself, former players like Ben McDonald, Warren Morris, and Todd Walker, and fellow coaching legends provide insight into Bertman’s unparalleled leadership and the culture he cultivated in Baton Rouge.
“He taught us how to win, but more than that, he taught us how to believe,” says McDonald, the first overall pick in the 1989 MLB Draft. Bertman’s combination of preparation, inspiration, and tactical brilliance turned LSU into a program feared across the nation and revered at home.
The film explores Bertman’s five national championships in the ’90s, including the unforgettable 1996 walk-off home run by Morris, which remains one of the most iconic moments in college baseball history.
A Culture Built on Family and Fire
Beyond the trophies and highlight-reel plays, Forever Tigers emphasizes the tight-knit culture that has always defined LSU baseball. The filmmakers took time to highlight stories of camaraderie, mentorship, and resilience.
There’s a particularly touching segment dedicated to Wally Pontiff Jr., the former LSU infielder who passed away tragically in 2002. Interviews with Pontiff’s family and teammates shed light on his legacy and how the Tigers still honor his memory today.
“You can’t understand LSU baseball without understanding the family,” said Eddie Smith, a former assistant coach featured in the film. “It’s the players. The fans. The state. It’s all one big, crazy, passionate family.”
A Fan Base Like No Other
From camping outside the stadium for SEC matchups to flooding Omaha for the College World Series, LSU’s fan base is one of the most passionate in college sports. The documentary dives into how the fans have become a critical part of the program’s identity — bringing with them an atmosphere that few college teams can match.
There’s also a humorous look at the deep-rooted superstitions and rituals of LSU fans, including gumbo cook-offs, gold-painted bodies, and “rally possums.” The fervor, loyalty, and generational pride shine through, reminding viewers that LSU baseball is more than just a team — it’s a way of life.
Paul Mainieri and the Modern Era
After Bertman transitioned to athletic director, he handed the reins to Paul Mainieri, who is also featured prominently in Forever Tigers. Mainieri’s 2009 national title and multiple CWS appearances are given significant attention, with behind-the-scenes moments that show how he balanced enormous expectations with his own leadership style.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from discussing the pressures Mainieri faced. His emotional retirement speech in 2021 serves as one of the film’s more heartfelt moments, showing the toll and triumph of coaching at such a storied program.
Jay Johnson and the 2023 Championship
Perhaps the most electric portion of the documentary is its final chapter — the 2023 national championship under head coach Jay Johnson. Featuring game footage, locker room speeches, and new interviews with stars like Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes, and Tommy White, the film captures the drama and exhilaration of LSU’s latest title run.
Johnson, now tasked with maintaining and elevating the standard of excellence, is portrayed as a modernizer who respects the past while fiercely pushing toward the future. His bond with the team and commitment to player development are central themes.
“We talk about legacy, and these guys added to it,” Johnson says in the film’s closing moments. “But the story of LSU baseball is still being written.”
Visually Stunning and Emotionally Charged
Directed by acclaimed sports documentarian Michael Toland, Forever Tigers utilizes high-speed cameras, drone footage, and a powerful score to make the past feel present. The documentary flows seamlessly from era to era, never losing momentum and always grounding its narrative in the human stories behind the headlines.
Whether it’s the joy of winning in Omaha or the agony of falling short, the emotional range captured in the film is remarkable. There’s laughter, tears, nostalgia, and a deep sense of pride — all woven into a compelling story that spans decades.
A Love Letter to Louisiana
At its core, Forever Tigers is a love letter — to LSU, to Louisiana, and to the timeless spirit of college baseball. The film doesn’t just chronicle wins and losses; it highlights the profound impact the program has had on lives both inside and outside the stadium.
From former players who made it big in the MLB to local kids who grew up dreaming of wearing the purple and gold, the Tigers’ story is told through many voices — each adding depth and perspective.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reaction
Since its release, Forever Tigers has earned critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the best sports documentaries of the year. On social media, fans have shared emotional reactions, screenshots of favorite scenes, and personal stories of how LSU baseball shaped their childhoods.
“Netflix did it right. I laughed, I cried, I relived my childhood,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “This documentary reminded me why I fell in love with LSU baseball in the first place.”
What’s Next for the Tigers?
While Forever Tigers honors the past, it also sparks excitement for the future. With a roster full of MLB-caliber talent, state-of-the-art facilities, and a fan base hungrier than ever, LSU baseball continues to thrive as one of the crown jewels of college athletics.
The final scenes hint at what’s to come, with Johnson delivering a powerful locker room speech: “This isn’t the end of the story. It’s just the beginning of the next chapter.”
In Forever Tigers, Netflix has given LSU fans a masterpiece — a comprehensive, emotional, and visually stunning tribute to a baseball dynasty that has transcended the sport. Whether you’re a lifelong Tiger, a college baseball fanatic, or just someone who loves a good story, this documentary is a must-watch.
The legacy of LSU baseball is eternal. And thanks to Forever Tigers, it’s been beautifully preserved for the world to see.