Column: Paul Skenes’ jersey should be retired despite only being at LSU for one season
Above the crowd of energetic, dedicated fans contributing to the advantage of Alex Box Stadium lies a piece of LSU baseball history. History that will forever be a part of the stadium and program.
In a white circle plaque that resembles a baseball, four numbers stand with four last names to the right of each one. Those four numbers represent the ultimate legends that have worn a Tigers jersey.
LSU’s fabulous four include No. 12, former second baseman Todd Walker; No. 15, former head coach Skip Bertman; No. 19, former pitcher Ben McDonald and No. 36, former first baseman Eddy Furniss.
LSU’s all-time winningest coach, Bertman, earned his plaque after leading the Tigers to five national championships in 10 years at LSU. He’s known for making LSU baseball into the powerhouse it is today during his 18 total seasons as head coach.
The most recent addition, Walker, contributed to the 1993 national championship title and was a two-time finalist for the Golden Spikes Award. His jersey was retired in a 2017 ceremony at Alex Box.
McDonald holds the program record for the most strikeouts with 373 during his time. The talented pitcher also won the Golden Spikes Award in 1989. For 34 years, McDonald held the record of the most strikeouts in the SEC, with Paul Skeenes breaking it in 2023 with 209.
Furniss’ number was retired in 2016 after earning a Dick Howser Trophy in 1998 and becoming the SEC’s all-time leader in hits, home runs, RBIs and doubles.
It’s safe to say these Tigers not only made history for their time at LSU, but for the program as a whole. They forever changed the way LSU baseball is viewed across the country as record holders and national champions.
Their resumés make it clear as to how they received this honor. The path for another talented Tiger to join them is defined by strict criteria involving eligibility, performance and character traits.
As far as eligibility, the former player must have left the university at least five years before their jersey goes under consideration. When eligible, the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, who is in charge of all jersey retirements, will work with the head coach to approve the retirement.
The selection is not the luck of the draw. A player must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments that exceed normal Hall of Fame criteria. You did read that right, there is a level above the Hall of Fame. The level that leaves your name and number in Alex Box Stadium forever.
While it is one of the greatest honors in sports to have your number retired, it doesn’t always mean it will never see the field again.
Head coach Jay Johnson can approve players to wear these numbers, or, as he calls it, keep the legacy of that player visible in the daily program.
There is one exception: no one touches No. 15.
Bertman’s number is the only one that is on permanent retirement. Often praising Bertman, Johnson respects the legacy he created for the program and honors his championship culture by leaving his number untouched.
So in the future, we will not see another Tiger with a No. 15 jersey. But we could see a new retired number.
The most immediate — and possibly the most deserving — candidate is Paul Skenes. During LSU’s national championship run in 2023, Skenes was named the Dick Howser Trophy recipient, SEC Pitcher of the Year, College World Series Most Outstanding Player, Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America and the D1 National Player of the Year.
Seems like there is no question about it. But there is.
After transferring from the Air Force, Skenes was only with the Tigers for one season before declaring for the MLB Draft. The committee typically rewards athletes who have brought success to the university over multiple years.
While his accomplishments meet the criteria, he only played for one season. But that just makes it even more impressive.
Once again, Skenes can break another record and become the first retired number after one season with the Tigers. But that decision is not ours to make.
