Saying goodbye to the Box

[Comment Below]

By Christopher Gordy

As LSU baseball fans say goodbye to their 70-year old friend known as Alex Box Stadium, the Tiger baseball team seems to be peaking at the right time. LSU has won their last nine games and are poised to finish the season strong with hopes of hosting one last regional at the famed stadium.

This weekend, the Tigers will host SEC West foe Mississippi State in their last regular season series ever in old Alex Box Stadium. If the Tigers can have a solid finish down to close out the season, they will find themselves in the field of 64, with the possibility of hosting a regional.

From 1990 to 2005, the Tigers had hosted a regional at the Box every season. But the Tigers have missed out on that opportunity the past two years.

Memories of the old Box will live on forever, with echoes of the ping of the bats of the ‘90s and the successful teams Coach Skip Bertman led to five College World Series titles. Considered to be one of the greatest eras in college sports history, the “golden years” of Bertman have no doubt left a lasting memory in the minds of the Tiger faithful and baseball fans across the country.

But as the doors to Alex Box close for good at the conclusion of this season, Tiger fans can admit that while the nostalgia will live on, they are ready for a change of scene.

“With all due respect to the old Box, it’s time to move on,” said Joe Martinez, LSU baseball season ticket holder. “I respect the tradition and everything there, but we deserve an upgrade.”

The new Alex Box Stadium will open up in February 2009, and will have a capacity of 8,500. It is currently being constructed at the corner of Nicholson Drive and Gourrier Lane, about 200 yards south of the current Alex Box. The new stadium will also feature bigger locker rooms and meeting rooms, as well as new batting cages.

The new stadium will also have improved facilities including a bigger press box, private suites, improved concession areas and a concourse with video monitors for fans. A children’s playground and a Hall of Fame and club lounge are also being constructed.

So while Tiger fans prepare to enjoy the luxury of a brand new stadium next season, they can spend the final days of the old Box reminiscing on the history and legacy left behind. In addition to fans, former players and coaches will also reflect on years past.

“There are lots of great places to play baseball in the past 15 to 20 years, but none probably better than Alex Box,” said former Tiger and current Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco. “They couldn't get big crowds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday like Alex Box. There is probably no place more intimidating to play a regional through the '90s.”

LSU will open up their last regular season series at Alex Box Stadium on Friday night against Mississippi State. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Originally Published: Issue 607 - May 6, 2008

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