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Sid Hartman

Columnist | Sports
Phone: 612-673-4452

Former sports columnist Sid Hartman.

Recent content from Sid Hartman
Wide receiver Sammy White of the Minnesota Vikings loses his helmut as two Oakland Raiders defenders hit him during Super Bowl XI in Pasadena, Calif.,

Sid Instant Replay from 1977: Vikings' Super Bowl loss to Raiders hurt the most

Read Sid's column from the Jan. 10, 1977, edition of the Tribune following the Vikings' loss to Oakland in the Super Bowl.
Dan Devine, left, former head coach of the Green Bay Packers, and Ara Parseghian, retiring head coach of Notre Dame University, go over transitional m

Read Sid's column from 1974, when Ara Parseghian left Notre Dame

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, the Star Tribune will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column from the archives.
Jack Morris pitched all 10 innings of the Twins' 1-0 victory over Atlanta in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series at the Metrodome.

Sid instant replay: No greater hero than Twins' Morris in World Series

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, we will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column. Up next: Sid's column from Oct. 28, 1991, after the Twins beat Atlanta in Game 7 of the World Series.
Vikings receiver Randy Moss reacts after catching a touchdown pass in 2001.

Sid instant replay: Randy Moss says, 'I play when I want to play'

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, we will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column. Up next: Sid's column from the Nov. 23, 2001 after an interview with Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss

Sid instant replay: Undefeated Gophers topple No. 4 Penn State

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, the Star Tribune will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column from the archives. This one is from last fall.
Sid Hartman always knew how to work the phones.

Sid instant replay: How a phone call helped sell the NFL on Minnesota

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, the Star Tribune will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column from the archives. This one is from Jan. 30, 1960.
Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant, right, seems to have other things on his mind than new Coach Les Steckel's remarks to a press conference at the tea

Sid Instant Replay: Bud Grant surprises team by deciding to retire

On every remaining Sunday in 2020, the Star Tribune will republish a memorable Sid Hartman column from the archives. This one is from Jan. 28, 1984.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) heads to the locker room at halftime during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday,

Hartman: Thielen says Vikings have the talent to bounce back from 1-4

Making the playoffs after a 1-4 start undoubtedly will be a challenge for the Vikings , but there's no doubt this offense has enough weapons to go on a big winning streak starting Sunday against the Falcons.

Sid's jottings

Ryan Saunders' Timberwolves were one of 22 teams not invited to the NBA playoff bubble.

Hartman: Wolves coach Saunders navigated difficult first season

It's hard to think of a more difficult rookie coaching season than the one Ryan Saunders just went through with the Timberwolves.
Russell Wilson dropped back and threw the game-winning touchdown with 15 seconds to play.

Hartman: Back-and-forth loss at Seattle is as hard as it gets

The 27-26 loss at Seattle on Sunday night has to qualify as one of the most difficult regular-season losses the Vikings have ever suffered.
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Se

Hartman: Seattle's Carroll won't overlook 1-3 Vikings

Pete Carroll has his Seahawks looking like one of the best teams in football at 4-0, but the former Vikings defensive backs coach knows better than to overlook Mike Zimmer.

Sid's jottings

Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones

Hartman: Daronte Jones leads young Vikings cornerbacks

Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones has had to guide a lot of inexperienced players but has a great mentor in Mike Zimmer.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrates after they connected on a pass for a touchdown against t

Hartman: Vikings show some fight, save their season in Houston

Coach Mike Zimmer's team on Sunday saved its season in a game it had to have. And right now, you see a club that can compete for a playoff spot and is getting better each game.
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) celebrated with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonza

Hartman: Vikings running backs can turn season around

The 0-3 Vikings entered Week 4 ranked eighth in the league at 146.7 rushing yards per game and No. 1 overall with 6.03 yards per rush.

Sid's jottings

Twins players watched from the dugout in the ninth inning.

Hartman: Twins run into familiar end to unfamiliar season

Despite their playoff loss, the Twins did well to navigate in a pandemic and win the AL Central.
Hartman: Twins, Vikings have different fortunes at home

Hartman: Twins, Vikings have different fortunes at home

The Twins this season set a club mark for home winning percentage while the Vikings have opened winless at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeff Gladney is only 5-10, which is short for a cornerback, but he has a 6-3 nch wingspan that makes up for a lack of height.

Hartman: Vikings asking a lot of skilled-position rookies

If the Vikings want to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2013, when they finished 5-10-1 in Leslie Frazier's final season, they're going to need some rookies to step up in a big way.

Sid's jottings

Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan

Hartman: U can change fortunes in openers vs. Michigan, Ohio State

Gophers have a chance to defy fortunes against the Wolverines this year and the Buckeyes in 2021.
Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs

Hartman: Cousins gets the blame but Vikings' offense misses Diggs

If anyone thinks Kirk Cousins is the biggest problem on this Vikings team, they don't know football.
Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren speaks about the cancellation of the men's basketball tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., o

Hartman: Big Ten's Warren stays thoughtful in unprecedented year

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren took over for Jim Delany on Jan. 2 of this year and since then has dealt with situations that no commissioner has ever dealt with.

Sid's jottings

The stands sat empty in accordance with COVID-19 regulations as the Twins took on the Indians on Sept. 12, part of a three-game sweep by the Twins.

Hartman: Twins winning at historic pace at home, but reward will be minimal

The Twins' .808 winning percentage at Target Field won't make a difference if they advance to the neutral-site playoffs.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers handed the ball off to Aaron Jones in the fourth quarter.

Hartman: Packers controlled the ball, and the game against Vikings

It's becoming a familiar pattern, with Aaron Rodgers keeping the Vikings offense off the field.
A wide eyed Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) greeted Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after Monday night's loss. ] ANTHO

Hartman: Cousins motivated after Packers left him feeling ill

Aaron Rodgers has gotten the better of Kirk Cousins and the Vikings — going 2-1-1 against the Purple since 2018, including two dominant victories in 2019.

Sid's jottings

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hands the ball off during the second half vs. the Vikings last season.

Hartman: Zimmer lacks usual info about Packers going into Sunday's game

With no preseason games this year in the NFL because of the virus, scouting teams has been difficult, but the Vikings know Sunday's foe well.
Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito celebrates with catcher James McCann after closing out a no-hitter on Aug. 25

Hartman: Key week of games coming up for Twins

Cleveland and White Sox are competitive, and the Twins will face both teams in the next week in games that will help shape the postseason.

Hartman: Facing Packers will restore some normalcy for Vikings

After an ever-changing offseason, Mike Zimmer's team will welcome familiar routines.

Sid's jottings

Hartman: Cousins, like Moss, just being honest in controversial quote

Hartman: Cousins, like Moss, just being honest in controversial quote

Kirk Cousins' quote about COVID-19 lit up social media this week, but some of the context was missed - just as Randy Moss' words in 2001.
Rick Spielman and Derek Falvey.

Hartman: Vikings, Twins differ on approach to trades this season

Vikings' deal for Ngakoue was necessary; Twins could afford to wait for injured players to return.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football training camp practice Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP

Hartman: With Tom Moore coaching Tom Brady, a historic career continues

The Minnesota native is getting paired with another Hall of Fame quarterback this year.
Elgin Baylor signed with the Lakers, and team president Bob Short, in 1958.

Hartman: In 1959, Lakers star Baylor refused to play to protest racism

Elgin Baylor sat out a neutral-site game in segregated West Virginia after being refused food service.
Hartman: Zimmer, Fleck face uneven playing field due to league choices

Hartman: Zimmer, Fleck face uneven playing field due to league choices

The NFL and NCAA are putting the local head coaches in a bind because there is no consensus on what is or isn't allowed for each team or conference.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski directs practice at the NFL football team's training facility Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Berea, Ohio. (AP

Hartman: Stefanski takes his story of success to Cleveland

Kevin Stefanski went from being a personal assistant to Vikings coach Brad Childress in 2006 to becoming the coach of an NFL squad 14 years later. It is as impressive as any coaching rise in the league.

Sid's jottings

The other time the Wolves had the No. 1 overall draft pick, they drafted Karl-Anthony Towns, who went on to become the NBA's Rookie of the Year.

Hartman: Wolves get break they needed by winning NBA draft lottery

Winning the NBA draft lottery and getting the first pick is a bright spot in a really tough year for the Timberwolves franchise.
Andre Patterson

Hartman: Don't be surprised if new-look Vikings defense is even better

There's been plenty of turnover, especially in the Vikings' secondary, but others are ready to step in.
Gersson Rosas, president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, talked to newly acquired guard D'Angelo Russell before Saturday nigh

Hartman: Rosas proud of Wolves' response to difficult year

Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas knows this has been a franchise-altering offseason, even though those changes haven't necessarily been on the court.

Sid's jottings

Vikings safety Harrison Smith celebrated after recovering a fumble vs. the Chargers in Los Angeles.

Hartman: Vikings' Smith faces challenge of mentoring young defensive backs

The five-time Pro Bowl safety will show the ropes to newer players as training camp begins.
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck shook hands with Athletic Director Mark Coyle following a win over Illinois last season.

Hartman: Big Ten 2020 football season likely gone for good

Spring football is under consideration, but more top athletes will opt out to prepare for NFL draft.
Minnesota Twins pitcher José Berríos (17) walked with pitching coach Wes Johnson (47) as he took the field during practice Friday. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE

Hartman: Unproven Wes Johnson shows he's right for Twins pitching staff

The Twins front office and manager Rocco Baldelli took a chance when they brought in Wes Johnson last season. The gamble has already paid off.

Sid's jottings

Jaleel Johnson sacked Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in the second quarter last December

Hartman: Vikings' tackle Johnson could bring big help to new-look defense

With the Vikings losing several veterans, 2017 fourth-round draft pick Jaleel Johnson could emerge in a larger role this season.
Twins starting pitcher Kenta Maeda

Hartman: Twins' depth makes them a World Series contender

Through smart deals and development, the franchise has assembled a fine collection of talent.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer celebrated their win with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) at Ford Field.] Jerry Holt • Jerry

Hartman: Zimmer, Cousins right duo for Vikings' title hopes

The Vikings' decision to give contract extensions to quarterback Kirk Cousins and coach Mike Zimmer this offseason mean that this club has made its decision on who can lead it to a Super Bowl.

Sid's jottings

The sun sets behind a silhouette of the Minneapolis skyline as Vikings plays took the field during a game last season.

Hartman: Coronavirus may shrink Vikings' home-field advantage

Since the team moved into U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016, they have posted a 23-9 record at home, a number matched only by the Eagles and Saints for the best home mark in the NFC.
Cleveland starting pitcher Shane Bieber delivers in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on July 24.

Hartman: Cleveland's pitching will be tough challenge for Twins

A rivalry pitting a strong Cleveland rotation vs. potent Twins offense could become a highlight of the season.
Minnesota Timberwolves team owner Glen Taylor watched from the sidelines with his wife Becky Taylor in the first half. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.s

Hartman: Taylor's local ties saved professional basketball in Minnesota

If Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor finds a suitable buyer to meet his demands and his asking price for the club, it will end one of the most important pro sports tenures in state history.

Sid's jottings

Dave St. Peter

Hartman: St. Peter says focus on playing entire season, winning title

The Twins will play in an environment very different from previous seasons, and that's not lost on anybody within our club, president Dave St. Peter said.
Vikings head trainer Eric Sugarman, during training camp in 2017.

Hartman: Twins, Vikings medical staffs staying on top of virus protocols

The Vikings' protocols and safety measures are already being studied by people around the NFL; the Twins effort is being led by a Mayo Clinic physician.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com – Carson, CA – December 15, 2019, Dignity Health Sport

Hartman: Salary cap wizard Brzezinski helps Vikings keep Cousins

The Vikings opened this offseason in one of their toughest salary cap spots in recent memory, with the least cap space in the NFL. Rob Brzezinski led the way as the team made a ton of moves to get some relief.

Sid's jottings

Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson celebrated after hitting a home run in a scrimmage at Target Field on July 9

Hartman: This Twins lineup is best in franchise history

The Twins have had better hitters on their rosters over the years, with greats such as Harmon Killebrew, Kirby Puckett, Joe Mauer and Rod Carew. But from top to bottom, this club is hard to beat.
Gary Kubiak, left, and Dom Capers.

Hartman: Capers, Kubiak help Zimmer evaluate talent, schemes

The addition of experienced coaches give the Vikings a fresh look at how they do things on offense and defense.
In this May 27, 2018, photo, Minnesota's Max Meyer works against Purdue during the NCAA Big Ten baseball championship game in Omaha, Neb. The Gophers

Hartman: Meyer likely to go straight from Gophers to majors

The Woodbury native has a chance to do something that very few players in the history of baseball have accomplished: Skip the minor leagues
Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison worked out at Woodbury High School. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com – Woodbury, MN

Hartman: Vikings need to develop depth

The backups on the roster are lacking experience.
Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle walked onto the field before the start of Saturday's game against Maryland. ] Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsky@s

Hartman: Coyle says university is ready for return of athletes

The list of athletic and medical experts the Gophers have to draw on is large because the University of Minnesota has such a well-respected academic roster
Denver Broncos� head coach Gary Kubiak is doused with Gatorade during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, i

Hartman: Kubiak's history gives Vikings big advantage in virtual offseason

There was no doubt when Gary Kubiak joined the Vikings last season that he was going to play a big part in the offensive game plan, no matter what his title would be.
In this April 5, 2018, file photo, a flyover of four Air Force jets comes over Target Field after the national anthem as the Mariners and the Twins li

Hartman: Twins ready to play ball, St. Peter says

"We left spring training in March with a really good baseball team, a team poised to take an additional step or two toward the pursuit of a world championship," Dave St. Peter said.
Minnesota Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) threw the ball in the second quarter. The Minnesota Gophers played the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturd

Hartman: Gophers looking for more Morgan magic this season

Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan is 15-4 as a starter, indicating his importance to the team.

Sid's jottings

Vikings Coach Mike Zimmer will not be required to wear a mask on the sideline during games.

Hartman: Vikings can't bank on 2020 free agents for much help

It's hard to think of any season in recent memory when the Vikings brought in such a small free-agent class as they did this offseason.
Twins owner Jim Pohlad took questions from fans during Twins Fest in January.

Hartman: Twins owner Pohlad knows MLB needs to return to play soon

Twins owner Pohlad said communication with the commissioner's office has been steady with the club, but not directly between himself and Rob Manfred.

Hartman: Dungy's success story stands atop Gophers list

The former player and coach's voice is clear and forceful on matters of racism.
Garrett Bradbury prepared to snap the ball to quarterback Kirk Cousins during the first day of training for Vikings rookies last July.

Hartman: Vikings growth on offensive line key 2020 factor

Center Garrett Bradbury said that the continuity from last season should put the team at a big advantage when it ends its virtual training camp and gets back on the field in July.
Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes stopped a pass intended for Dallas wide receiver Michael Gallup

Hartman: Hughes, drafted in 2018, has most seniority among Vikings cornerbacks

That Mike Hughes is the most veteran cornerback shows that the group will have a lot of learning to do when Vikings camp opens.
Ifeadi Odenigbo recovered a fumble in December, one play in a season in which the Vikings gave up only 303 points.

Hartman: Vikings set standard high on defense despite big change

Last year the Vikings ranked second in the NFC, allowing 303 points. Still, a lot of people around the club, including Mike Zimmer, felt the team could use a fresh start on defense.