Sid!: The Sports Legends, the Inside Scoops, and the Close Personal Friends

by Sid Hartman, Patrick Reusse

The author, a popular midwestern radio broadcaster and sports columnist, looks back on the memorable people and stories he has covered

Genres: Sports

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 1981

Reviews

[Luke Koran · Rating 4 out of 5]

After more than 50 years in the sports, reporting and broadcasting industry in the Twin Cities, Sid Hartman details in his autobiography many aspects of his renowned persona like only he can. To accomplish that, the history of Minnesota collegiate and professional sports up until 1997 are explored in-depth, sometimes though without much input into Sid’s own professional impact on the sporting event in question. Though I grew up on the other side of the river from Hartman, who is adamantly pro-Minneapolis both personally and professionally - and wish he would have given more appreciation and respect towards the state’s key sport, hockey (at least in high school) - I was thoroughly entertained and educated by this memoir by a lifelong Minnesotan. Even at the age of 98, Sid is still kicking as both a sports reporter and broadcaster; will retirement and the end of making and utilizing his “close personal friends” ever come?

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have almost no interest in sports but I happily give five stars to the late Sid Hartman, whose 1997 memoir, Sid! gave me a better understanding of the drama and humanity that fascinates most of the sports-loving world. Hartman, who passed away in 2020 at age 100, left us a terrific tale of his first six decades chasing stories of sports legends (local, state, national and international) at the Tribune and other Minneapolis papers and on WCCO radio. As a retired journalist, I was intrigued with Hartman's drive, integrity, resourcefulness, empathy and nonstop work ethic that got him just about every interview he wanted. He cultivated his sources and always knew someone who knew someone who.... He could get the greats on the phone (Woody Hayes, Lou Holtz, Arnold Palmer, Bobby Knight) when no one else could.
Hartman brought the Lakers pro basketball team to the Twin Cities and was an unabashed promoter/supporter of all things, particularly sports related, that would enhance life in Minnesota. I grew up in Minnesota and have lived elsewhere for more than 50 years but I still have a warm spot in my heart for my home state. I feel fortunate that I got to read about the life of one of Minnesota's no. 1 fans in his own voice and meet some of the people who were "his close personal friends."Hartman's self-deprecating humor and upbeat attitude resonate throughout the book and certainly were reasons why he was so beloved. Great story of a journalist in action.

[Brian Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the history of Minnesota Sports. Only Sid could accomplish as many feats as he did in a lifetime. #Legend

[Theresa Malloy Lemickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sid Hartman is a local legend. He is a sports writer for the Star Tribune who started working as a paper boy at age 9. He is in his 90s now and still writing, doing TV and radio spots. This man lives and breathes Minnesota sports. He has also been criticized for now keeping ethical boundaries. He is responsible for recruiting coaches and players to Minnesota sports teams and promoting them. But he's Sid, so it's OK here. Very sports heavy with stats, but it was a good read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading and learning more about the history of sports in Minnesota. I enjoyed his prediction in 1997 that Kevin McHale and Flip Saunders would help the Minnesota Timberwolves bring a championship to Minnesota - always the optimist.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say the writing was great but I really enjoyed his stories.