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For those of us who have spent the majority of our lives here, the name Sid Hartman is a sports journalism icon. A man who has been covering sports for the Star Tribune and doing radio for WCCO for decades has passed away at age 100.
My father’s extraordinary and resilient life has come to a peaceful conclusion surrounded by his family.
— Chad Hartman (@ChadHartmanShow) October 18, 2020
Many words and stories will be written about the man known simply as, “Sid.” This is an attempt to capture the color and uniqueness of his life.
Sid Hartman knew virtually everyone, all were close personal friends. I personally have heard incredible stories shared by Sid while sitting in the Gopher football press room, waiting for post-game interviews. Stories like him sharing a ride with Joe Paterno (and others) down the West Coast to attend the Rose Bowl some time in the 50s.
Justin Gaard just shared how Sid made a call to Pete Carroll, who was the head coach at USC, to get Gaard and Darrin Wolfson two tickets to the 2005 UCS/Notre Dame “Bush Push” game.
2005 Notre Dame/USC, massive game (Bush Push). @DWolfsonKSTP calls me few days before and says Sid got us tickets...long story short we get the envelope from the USC Will Call line...envelope reads “Tickets left by P. Carroll.”
— Justin Gaard (@jgkfan) October 18, 2020
Sid called Pete Carroll and got us tickets.
I’m not sure if it is more impressive that Sid was willing to find tickets for Gaard or that Carroll was willing to do a favor for a sports columnist in Minnesota during the week of one of the biggest college football games in the last 20 years.
But the man helped build the Minneapolis Lakers into a dynasty as a young general manager. He build his brand at the Star Tribune to become a national icon in the sports journalism world. At age 96 he had hip surgery in December and was back at PJ Fleck’s introductory press conference in January.
BREAKING: Sid Hartman, who started selling newspapers in 1928 and wrote about sports for the Star Tribune for the ensuing decades, died Sunday. He was 100. https://t.co/4BpFsxXK6h
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) October 18, 2020
He was a legend and he was unapologetically supportive of Gopher athletics. It was apparent that PJ Fleck learned early to show respect to Sid.
As having the opportunity to attend Gopher football games (and a handful of Timberwolves games) in the pressbox, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness many great “Sid stories.”
- I was once accused of potentially stealing Sid’s iPad after he dropped it and it landed next to my seat. I was just going to give it back, I promise.
- I witnessed Kevin Garnett make fun of Sid’s tape recorder with a microphone that was held together by masking tape. The stories that tape recorder could tell.
- Sid passionately implored Joel Maturi to hire Jeff Horton on the spot after the interim coach beat Iowa.
- Many instances of loudly swearing when a team other than the Gophers made a significant play.
Sid was unique. Sid led an incredible, self-made life.
Below is a list of notable Tweets showing respect and saddened by the loss of Sid Hartman. We will keep adding to them as we see them so keep checking back.
The late Sid Hartman created the Lakers. And he moved on when the owners vetoed the trade he had arranged to get them the rights to a rookie center named...Bill Russell. https://t.co/veDaJtqH9B
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) October 18, 2020
RIP Sid Hartman. A true legend. An extraordinary life. Sid, you will be missed! @ChadHartmanShow you have my condolences.
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) October 18, 2020
Minnesota lost a true legend and a great one. RIP Sid Hartman. You will be missed by all.
— Glen Mason (@BTNGlenMason) October 18, 2020
A singular force in the Twin Cities media scene. It's weird to say, but I just never could envision a day when he wasn't plowing through a locker room with that big tape recorder. Seriously, I never could. https://t.co/WJw759Ig2i
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 18, 2020
To get a phone call or a question asked by the irreplaceable Sid Hartman in a press conference was always an honor and a bit surreal. He was so admired and respected because he treated his interviewees with the personality of an old friend. What an absolute legend!
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) October 18, 2020
Sid Hartman died today at the age of 100 after decades of covering Minnesota sports.
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) October 18, 2020
Here's a feature from 2018 about his extraordinary life. pic.twitter.com/Dqvino57hi
Sid lived for 13 more years after accosting Prince -- yes, that Prince -- in a hallway a couple days before Super Bowl XLI. Bringing back that story: https://t.co/nuo42ph6E2
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 18, 2020
Sid Hartman made his bones back when a sports columnist could also function as a local team's GM.
— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) October 18, 2020
Any Lakers fans celebrating their 17th NBA title this month -- including the five in Mpls -- owes a nod to El Sid.
(He's at far left in photo).
From 2011: https://t.co/ClEdDJMiyD pic.twitter.com/9HJOpbqhEq
Sid Hartman welcoming Kevin Garnett back to Minnesota circa 2015. https://t.co/GozQLuaqh3
— Mark Vancleave + = (@MDVancleave) October 18, 2020
We've lost a legend.
— Peter King (@peter_king) October 18, 2020
RIP, Sid.
What a run you had. https://t.co/Q7yzgO7ntY
Anything I say today about SId Hartman is superfluous. He was suigeneris. Being published on the day you die at age 100 sets you apart. My condolences to his family.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) October 18, 2020
Thank u for letting me be apart of ur journey GENIUS(what he called me)!!LOVED his VIKINGS!!#ripsid#skol❤❤ pic.twitter.com/ZdtjOtqt92
— Randy Moss (@RandyMoss) October 18, 2020
RIP to my “Close, Personal, Friend”!! Love ya Sid!! https://t.co/eGekWDQ1Sr
— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) October 18, 2020