LSU Baseball: If Alex Box Stadium Could Talk

Dear College Baseball fans,

I am writing this letter to say, “Thank you!” Thank you for 70 great years of visiting with me, cheering with me, crying with me, and helping me grow into what I am today. 

You see, it all started 70 years ago, in 1938. Back then, I was known as the LSU Diamond. I saw my beloved Tigers play their first complete game on March 24, a 6-5 loss to Minnesota. About a half month later, the Tigers' winning tradition began with a 7-6 victory over Northwestern on April 11, 1938.

While the Tigers were in the offseason in 1938 and 1939, the New York Giants would host their spring training here. It was a great sight to see Mel Ott, Carl Hubbell, Bill Terry, and Dick Bartell all tossing the ball around the yard. 

In 1939, my Tigers would claim the SEC title with a 16-0 victory over Tulane. That was back when Tulane was a member of the SEC.

Those were some of the biggest days for me! I would have visitors from all over Louisiana come into town just to cheer against those Greenie Weenies. I have seen a few crazy parties in the parking lots after a Tiger victory, and a few scuffles when my Tigers couldn’t pull it off. 

In 1943, they renamed me Alex Box Stadium, after an outfielder on the 1942 baseball team. No, not “Alex,” it’s pronounced “Alec,” like the city of Alexandria. Anyways, Alex was killed while fighting in North Africa during World War II. He was a great guy and an outstanding player. He will forever be missed.

On May 6, 1946, the Tigers won their second SEC title with a doubleheader sweep of no other than those Greenies from New Orleans. 

On May 12, 1961, my Tigers beat Auburn in extra innings to claim their third SEC title here. I remember there was a capacity crowd of 2,500 here to see that game, and just about all of them stayed all the way through.

I knew in time that it would come. After several close calls, my Tigers finally did it. Right-handed pitcher Bruce Baudier threw a seven-inning perfect game to beat Alabama 2-0. I still remember that final pitch like it was yesterday. 

Then, in 1972, Tiger pitcher Randy Wiles pitched a no-hitter to beat Rice 3-0 on opening day. The Tigers would do it again on March 14, 1979.

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