Birthday Wishes Pour In As Sid Hartman Turns 95

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The well-wishes came pouring in all Sunday morning on WCCO's Sports Huddle radio show. They were all for long-time host and sports legend Sid Hartman, who celebrated his 95th birthday by coming to work at WCCO's downtown Minneapolis studios.

"A lot of people go to work at 8 o'clock in the morning and when 5 o'clock comes around they celebrate," Hartman said. "I've always loved what I do."

A sports writer for the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune for more than 70 years, Hartman began working at WCCO in 1955, when he was only 35 years old. He's been joined by Sports Huddle co-host Dave Mona on Sunday mornings for more than three decades.

"It's not work, it's fun," Hartman said.

And there was plenty of fun during the 2 1/2 –hour show when the birthday calls came in on this particular March 15.

"Hey, where are we going to eat, Murray's?" asked Torii Hunter, who called from Fort Myers just before taking the field for a spring training game with the Twins.

"I love you man," Hunter added.

Justin Morneau, Latroy Hawkins Wish Sid Hartman Happy Birthday

WCCO held a surprise birthday party for Hartman on Friday, just before joining his son for a regular weekly segment on the Chad Hartman Show. Sunday, though, was all about admiring how Hartman has been able to defy father time and keep going strong.

"I hope I look as good as you when I turn 95," cracked Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.

"Maybe I can play right guard for you," suggested Hartman, with Zimmer noting that he may take him up on the offer.
"Come on in, we'll bring you in," Zimmer said.

In addition to birthday greetings from Twins general manager Terry Ryan, WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson, hockey legend Lou Nanne, Gopher football coach Jerry Kill and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, former WCCO reporter Eric Eskola was in studio to talk old times.

"I had so much fun with you guys over the years," said Eskola, who was a regular Sports Huddle studio host for nearly a decade. "We have been privileged to be part of what I think is the most remarkable sports media career, maybe in American history."

Hartman has no plans for retirement. Looking ahead, the next time Sid will be able to host the Sunday Sports Huddle on his birthday comes in the year 2020.

That's Sid's 100th birthday.

Nobody is doubting that Sid will still be around on that day.