Beyond the Bases: A captivating documentary on the history of the LSU Tigers baseball team is available on Netflix.
The story of the LSU Tigers baseball team is no longer confined to the diamond or archived in the hearts of longtime fans. Now, it’s etched into the ever-expanding digital memory of Netflix, thanks to a compelling new documentary titled Beyond the Bases. This film doesn’t just tell the story of a baseball team — it captures the essence of a culture, a dynasty, and a community that rose to national prominence on the back of grit, tradition, and a relentless drive to win.
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Carson Miles and produced in collaboration with SEC Network Films and Netflix Sports Originals, Beyond the Bases spans decades of dominance, heartache, unforgettable characters, and unyielding fan support. For anyone who has ever stepped foot inside Alex Box Stadium or felt the reverberation of a walk-off homer under the lights, this documentary hits home — hard.
From the Humble Beginnings
The LSU Tigers baseball program was born in 1893, but for many years, it existed in relative obscurity. The early 20th century saw sporadic success, but it wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that LSU began building the foundation for what would eventually become a college baseball juggernaut.
The documentary uses archival footage, radio clips, and rarely-seen photographs to paint a vivid portrait of these formative years. Interviews with players from the 1970s detail how they played in front of sparse crowds, with facilities that paled in comparison to the football-first budget priorities of the time. But those players laid the groundwork for what was to come — and the audience begins to feel the stirrings of something greater on the horizon.
The Skip Bertman Era: Building a Dynasty
One of the documentary’s central themes revolves around Skip Bertman, the iconic coach who took over in 1984 and turned LSU baseball into a national powerhouse. Bertman is not just portrayed as a coach — he’s framed as an architect, a visionary, and in many ways, a revolutionary.
Through intimate sit-downs with Bertman, as well as testimonials from his former players, the film dives into his legendary leadership style. He was a master motivator, a psychologist, and a genius tactician. His ability to turn an underfunded, under-respected SEC program into a five-time national champion is given the narrative weight it deserves.
“Skip didn’t just change LSU baseball,” former Tiger and MLB All-Star Ben McDonald says in the film. “He changed college baseball.”
Indeed, Bertman’s approach to game-day preparation, mental toughness, and fan engagement set the standard that many programs would attempt to emulate. Beyond the Bases takes care to illustrate how he integrated pageantry and purpose — packing Alex Box Stadium with thousands of screaming fans and making Baton Rouge a destination for top recruits.
The Glory Years and Legendary Players
The documentary doesn’t shy away from basking in the glory of LSU’s golden age. From 1991 to 2000, the Tigers captured five national championships — 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2000. These seasons are relived in exhilarating detail, with high-definition game footage interspersed with personal reflections from the players who were there.
Fans will appreciate deep dives into key moments — such as Warren Morris’s legendary walk-off home run in the 1996 College World Series championship game. With LSU trailing Miami and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Morris, who hadn’t hit a home run all season due to injury, launched one into the right field bleachers to win the national title.
“That was one of those moments that doesn’t feel real even when it’s happening,” Morris recalls in the film. “I still get chills.”
From Todd Walker to Brad Cresse, from Ryan Theriot to Eddie Furniss, Beyond the Bases brings their stories to life. It also traces their post-collegiate journeys, whether in the MLB or elsewhere, highlighting how LSU prepared them not just for baseball, but for life.
Alex Box Stadium: The Cathedral of College Baseball
A love letter to Alex Box Stadium is woven throughout the film. Referred to often as the “Cathedral of College Baseball,” the stadium becomes more than a setting — it’s a character in its own right. From its original version to the modern marvel that stands today, Alex Box is shown as a symbol of the passion and pride that defines LSU baseball.
Fan interviews, drone shots of game days, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into game preparation create a vibrant picture of what makes the stadium so special. The tailgates, the chants, the thunderous roars — all are part of the LSU baseball experience that few other programs can match.
The Paul Mainieri Transition and Continued Excellence
The transition from Bertman to Paul Mainieri is covered with nuance. Mainieri, who led LSU to its sixth national title in 2009, is given due credit for maintaining the program’s elite standard. While some fans questioned whether anyone could fill Bertman’s shoes, Mainieri’s success proved that the LSU tradition was bigger than any one man.
The film spends time with Mainieri as he reflects on the pressure of following a legend and the pride he took in honoring LSU’s legacy. His relationships with players, particularly with stars like DJ LeMahieu and Alex Bregman, add human depth to a coach who sometimes flew under the radar.
Modern Era and Jay Johnson’s Vision
As the documentary moves into the present day, viewers are introduced to Jay Johnson, the current head coach who led the Tigers to their record-tying seventh national title in 2023. Johnson’s recruiting acumen, his ability to adapt to the modern transfer portal era, and his emphasis on developing both talent and character are portrayed as the newest chapter in LSU’s ongoing story.
Johnson speaks candidly about inheriting a program with unmatched expectations.
“There’s pressure, but there’s also privilege,” Johnson says. “When you put on this uniform, you carry the history of all those who came before you.”
The film explores how Johnson has embraced LSU’s legacy while carving his own path — a theme that resonates with younger fans and recruits who view LSU as both a historical powerhouse and a modern-day contender.
Cultural Impact and Community Connection
Beyond the wins and trophies, Beyond the Bases explores the profound cultural impact of LSU baseball on the Baton Rouge community and the state of Louisiana. The program has created lifelong memories, inspired generations, and given countless people something to believe in — especially in hard times.
The film touches on LSU’s role in healing after Hurricane Katrina, serving as a beacon of hope and unity when the region needed it most. It also highlights LSU’s commitment to community outreach, showing players volunteering, visiting schools, and serving as role models.
Perhaps most moving is a segment featuring longtime fan and cancer survivor, Mary Delahoussaye, whose bond with LSU baseball helped her endure the darkest moments of her life.
“When I was at my weakest, I’d turn on the game,” she says through tears. “For nine innings, I could smile.”
A Must-Watch for Baseball Fans
At its core, Beyond the Bases is not just about LSU — it’s about what sports can mean when they transcend the field. The documentary captures the soul of college baseball, the power of tradition, and the magic that happens when talent meets purpose.
The storytelling is elevated by a stirring original score, cinematic visuals, and the authenticity of those who lived it. Whether you’re a die-hard LSU fan or simply someone who appreciates great sports documentaries, this is one you won’t want to miss.
It’s a love story between a team and its fans. It’s a celebration of excellence. And it’s a reminder that in Baton Rouge, baseball isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life.
A Legacy That Lives On
As the credits roll and the echo of the final pitch fades, one thing is clear: LSU baseball is more than just wins and losses. It’s about belief, legacy, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Beyond the Bases captures that truth with grace and grandeur.
In a world where sports are often reduced to analytics and headlines, this documentary brings back the emotion, the humanity, and the community that define college athletics at its best.
LSU baseball’s story isn’t over — far from it. But thanks to Beyond the Bases, fans old and new now have a powerful reminder of how it all began, how it was built, and why it still matters.
