Recent content from Dennis Brackin
Sid Hartman's doggedness helped put Minnesota on the baseball map
Sid Hartman was part of a group led by John Cowles Jr., publisher of the Minneapolis Star and Morning Tribune, fighting for a Major League Baseball team.
As Lakers general manager, Sid Hartman owned a championship touch
It was Sid Hartman who brokered the deal to buy the Detroit Gems and move the franchise to Minnesota, a Lakers team that won six league championships in seven years starting in 1947-48 — the first in the NBL, the final five in the NBA.
![Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shared a laugh with Sid Hartman in the just-unveiled Sid Hartman Interview Room Friday. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavi](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/STHWBARDHIPWOVQIQ4GIAVH3HA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
'Sidisms' made for big laughs, even if their creator didn't get the joke
They were known as "Sidisms." Malaprops and mispronunciations that became as much an indelible part of Sid Hartman's career as his scoops and "close personal friends."
Gagliardi remembered as 'iconic' and 'unorthodox' coach
John Gagliardi, who died Sunday at 91, retired after the 2012 season at St. John's with 489 career victories, more than any other coach in college football history.
Back in the neighborhood: Return to WCCO a treat for Twins Territory
Twins games are back on WCCO this season after 11 years away, and it feels like coming home for fans of a certain generation.
St. Thomas' quarterback option is deep, with Division I talent
Behind starter Alex Fenske, the Tommies have two Division-I transfers ready to take snaps at quarterback.
Gustavus and St. John's name Division-I transfers as starting quarterbacks
Jackson Erdmann and Michael Veldman have similar paths.
![Concordia-St. Paul football head coach Shannon Currier walked to mid field after talking to the team at the start of Tuesday's practice. ] (AARON LAVI](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/GYGHV6F6MXYM5SMISJC2H6SRPU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Concordia (St. Paul) football looks to its past to reinvent future
Despite a seven-year detour as a sales manager, Shannon Currier is still passionate about coaching football.
Wolves hire Noah Croom as assistant GM
Croom had previously worked for the NBA Vancouver and Memphis Grizzlies, and most recently as an attorney and agent for a sports management firm.
After 'operator error' on Target Field scoreboards, Indians poke fun
Trades announced on the scoreboard during Thursday's game were the result of human error at Target Field, and a division rival had some fun with the gaffe.
Then and now: 25 years ago, last-place Twins and Atlanta were Classic
One year before they met in a World Series that's remembered as one of the best ever, the Twins and Atlanta finished last in their divisions, the same place both teams reside 25 years later.
Ex-Vikings coach Dennis Green, dead at 67, leaves a legacy on field and off
The coach from 1992 to 2002, he led the team to the playoffs eight times and was second to only Bud Grant in all-time team victories.
Buxton gets a break as Twins face Boston knuckleballer Wright
The Twins on Thursday open a four-game series against a surging Red Sox team that poses a great offensive threat.
Former top Gophers recruit Jeff Jones is back in jail
The onetime top football recruit, who had been charged with felony drug possession, violated terms of his release.
Augustus still sidelined with sore knee
Seimone Augustus is suffering from a sore right knee, the team says. You can follow the play-by-play of today's game, which starts at 11:30 a.m., here.
Is St. Thomas too good for its MIAC rivals? Yes, but ...
MIAC power St. Thomas once researched a potential move to NCAA Division I, but instead decided that fielding winning Division III athletic programs better fit the school's philosophy.
Jeff Jones, ex-top Gophers football recruit, jailed on felony drug charge
Jeff Jones left the Gophers in December and was planning to play at Iowa Western junior college. He was arrested for drug possession Thursday, and he had an assault charge in March in Iowa.
Another era, another Twins youth movement that ended well
Think of Miguel Sano playing the part of Kent Hrbek. And Byron Buxton as a young Kirby Puckett. And Jose Berrios as Frank Viola. Does that bring back memories for Twins fans of a certain era.
Three homers, three perfect innings by Santana lead Twins to win
Ervin Santana needed only 26 pitches to get through three innings against the Red Sox and the Twins hit back-to-back home runs off David Price.
Foot problems will again keep Pekovic out indefinitely
The Wolves center has missed the past eight games after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery last April.
WNBA playoff MVP Sylvia Fowles signs new contract with Lynx
The defending WNBA champs announced Tuesday that they have resigned the veteran free-agent center.
Why did high school hockey die in Richfield?
Richfield produced four NHL players and there were epic battles with Edina for a berth in the state tournament. So why is Richfield Arena without high school hockey now?
Hockey communities take on new challenges
Other communities are beginning to deal with drops in participation.
Bjelica works to translate his game with Wolves
A star in Europe, the Serb is struggling for minutes while learning the NBA.
Tommies have real threat in tight end Dowdle
The double duty as a holder on field-goal attempts and conversion kicks speaks to Charlie Dowdle's value to the Tommies.
Friendship is on the line in Tommies' Division III semifinal
Several hours after St. Thomas and Linfield had won last Saturday in their respective playoff football games, childhood friends Jordan Roberts and Ty Farber exchanged texts of well-wishes.
Increase the job of giving (and get a trip) with the gift of a learning vacation
The Driggs Digs Plein Air experience in Idaho makes a great gift – especially when you can tag along.
Wolves' LaVine gets a visit from his childhood idol
Hall of Fame guard Gary Payton, known for his defense, was his idol growing up.
Tommies tackle Simmet stands out in several ways
When David Simmet began youth football, he had a red stripe on his helmet — prohibiting him from running with the ball — because he was so much bigger than the other kids.
MIAC football: Not just for 'local kids' anymore
MIAC schools are drawing more players from the West and Southwest.
No immediate plans for Tyus Jones to get D-League minutes
Wolves coach Sam Mitchell said he's happy with what the former Duke and Apple Valley HS star has shown, even though the point guard has yet to suit up for a game.
Private excursions let you avoid the crowds on Mediterranean cruise
During a Mediterranean cruise, immerse yourself in the port of call – away from the crowds – by skipping the ship's excursions and booking your own private tours.
Lynx's Moore named to All-WNBA first team for third season in a row
The Lynx star was the second highest vote-getter behind Chicago's Elena Delle Donne. Moore was the only Lynx player named to the first or second team.
Wild Card Watch: A huge, long day for the Twins
Pulling for the Twins to make the playoffs? Here's what you need to know today:
Schedule might favor Twins playoff prospects
As the Twins complete a rugged 10-game road trip tonight at Tampa Bay, they now have more home games than road dates remaining. That's important for a club that's been far better this season at Target Field than on the road.
Maya Moore again wins player of the week honor
The Lynx star was named Western Conference player of the week for the fourth time this season.
Wolves add veteran forward Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Prince, 35, agreed to a one-year deal that will reunite him with Flip Saunders.
Maya Moore named WNBA player of the month
The Lynx star on Tuesday was named WNBA Western Conference player of the month. It's the sixth time in her career she's been named conference player of the month.
Longtime Gophers track and field coach Roy Griak dies at 91
Griak coached the Gophers cross-country and track and field teams for 33 years, then stayed associated with the programs as an administrative aide.
Ricky Nolasco placed on disabled list again
The move clears a spot on the 25-man roster for Tommy Milone, who will start today at Boston.
Twins activate Casey Fien from the disabled list
The righthander had missed 25 games with a shoulder strain. Reliever Michael Tonkin was sent to Rochester to clear a spot for Fien.
Will MLS investment pay off for Minnesota owners?
The gamble in investing in MLS is that financial success is linked to the continued growth of soccer in this country, and more specifically on broadening the MLS fanbase.
United to continue pressing for stadium despite lack of legislative action
A day after the legislative session ended with no tax breaks granted to Minnesota's MLS expansion franchise, the team issued a statement saying it will continue pressing forward with its stadium plans.
Twins summon top-line prospect Eddie Rosario to majors
He replaces Oswaldo Arcia, who went on the disabled list with a hip injury.
Twins put Stauffer on disabled list, promote Pressly
Twins place Tim Stauffer on DL, recall Ryan Pressly
Milone sharp, Escobar slugs as Twins beat Yankees 3-1
The Twins on Tuesday had no reason to regret naming Tommy Milone their fifth starter.
MLS expected to announce deal to add Minnesota expansion team
What's unknown at this time is whether Bill McGuire will reveal at the Wednesday announcement that he has finalized plans for an outdoor downtown stadium.
Minnesota moves closer to MLS; stadium issue needs to be settled
The remaining hurdle for Minnesota is finalizing for a new downtown outdoor soccer stadium, as preferred by the league. How it would be funded is still unknown.
United owner McGuire group has MLS backing for expansion team
Former UnitedHealth boss, with Pohlad family and Glen Taylor backing, wants to build a new soccer stadium near Target Field.
MLS labor issues muddy expansion waters
The CBA between the league and players expired Jan. 31, and a strike is being threatened.
Twins call claims of artificial noise in '87 Series 'comical'
One of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, Al Michaels, said he is convinced that the Twins pumped artificial noise into the Metrodome in 1987.
Wolves injured veterans practice, but no timetable for return
Center Nikola Pekovic and guard Kevin Martin took part in all phases of the Wolves' two-hour practice Monday. But neither is expected to play Tuesday at Indiana.
Sportsperson of the Year: Grant a winner on and off the field (Dec. 25)
Even more so than iconic coaches in Mike Grant's life, his mother's devotion to humanity guides all he does at Eden Prairie.
Mo Williams could return against Wizards
Point-guard Mo Williams has missed the last six games with back spasms, but could log at least a few minutes Tuesday at Washington.
MSU Mankato's Omaha connection has paid big dividends
The MSU Mankato offensive line shares prep history from Omaha. The Mavericks (13-0) host Concord (W. Va.) in Saturday's Division II national semifinals.
Kevin Martin's recovery from broken wrist 'a slow process'
The veteran guard, recovering from surgery to repair a broken bone in his right wrist, hopes to provide leadership to the team's young players as he rehabs. But his return is likely six weeks away.
Cost for Gophers football season tickets to rise for most seats
The Gophers unveiled scholarship seating fees to that will impact more than 28,000 seats in TCF Bank Stadium, an increase of almost 20,000 seats from the current premium seating plan.
McNeil's future with Gophers in doubt after felony charges
An account of the alleged crime said the woman was strangled and whipped.
Twins hire Gene Glynn as third base coach
Gene Glynn has been promoted from manager of Class AAA Rochester to third-base coach with the Twins.
It's official: Paul Molitor named Twins manager
The Twins announced Monday afternoon that Paul Molitor has been named the team's 13th manager. He has agreed to a contract that runs through the 2017 season. A press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Target Field.
Glenn Robinson III under contract, working with new teammates
Second-round pick Glenn Robinson III, newly under contract, is at work proving his worth as a wing player.
Wolves set training camp roster with two signings
The Wolves will bring 18 players to camp, and a handful of them have been working out this week at Target Center
Plouffe, Santana share AL co-player of week honor
The weekly award is the first for a Twins player since Chris Colabello won in early April.
Charges dropped against former Wolves player Cunningham
The forward had been charged with felony domestic assault.
Wolves open season Oct. 29 in Memphis; Cavs visit in January
LeBron James and Co. visit Flip Saunders and the Wolves at Target Center on Jan. 31. It's the marquee game of the Timberwolves 2014-15 schedule released Wednesday by the NBA.
Winona State player's death linked to an enlarged heart
Shawn Afryl's former high school coach says the ex-Illinois recruit had an enlarged heart that had gone undetected.
Aspiring Winona State football player dies during workout
Shawn Afryl, 22, who had just transferred from the University of Illinois, was taking part in voluntary strength and conditioning drills when he collapsed and died.
Gophers football great, fundraiser Bob McNamara dies at 82
McNamara Center was one of the most important projects.
State of Minnesota baseball: Strong, but could be better
Baseball in Minnesota is going strong, but big challenges exist including the lack of inner-city participation and corresponding future interest.
St. Paul's fields of All-Star dreams
Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, Jack Morris and Joe Mauer all started illustrious careers on the playgrounds of St. Paul.
Start star gazing: Which players will be All-Stars?
We're counting down until July 15, and here's a primer on what to look for in the Midsummer Classic at Target Field:
Catcher Engle's 'stardom' with Twins was short-lived
Dave Engle, the Twins' 1984 representative, lost his catching job because of quirky lobs to the pitcher.
