MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Tom Hanneman, whose sports journalism career in the Twin Cities lasted nearly 50 years, has died.
While still studying at the University of Minnesota, Hanneman wrote a letter to Dave Moore, who hosted the evening news on WCCO-TV. Moore took him on a tour of the station and helped him walk around the door as a dispatcher.
Then, in the early 1970s, Hanneman began working for WCCO-TV as a sports reporter and anchor. During his time, he covered two appearances at the Vikings Superbowl, the 1987 World Series for twins and the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
He and former sports anchor Mark Rosen came to the WCCO around the same time and quickly became friends and colleagues. He was known within the industry as one of the gentlest and humblest souls. He has had heart problems since he was about a year and a half old, reports Mike Max of the WCCO.
Tom Hanneman (second from right). Credit: Tom Ziegler
In 1979, Hanneman experienced what he called a “life-affirming event” in which he was held hostage at the Red Laker Reservation. A gun was held to his head and he was told he was going to die.
After 16 years, Hanneman left WCCO-TV to join the newly formed Minnesota Timberwolves as a television and radio host and reporter. Eventually it became the play-by-play voice of Wolves Television.
Glen Taylor, owner of Timberwolves and Lynx, issued a statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Hanneman. Since the founding of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tom has been a broadcasting device and a voice of our franchise over the years. First on the radio, then moving to television, his experience of over five decades of broadcasting has affected generations of basketball fans. Tom’s grace, spirit and sense of humor were felt by all who came in contact with him. On behalf of the Timberwolves and Lynx, we extend our deepest condolences to Nancy, the Hanneman family and her FOX Sports North family. ”
In 2012, Hanneman became the face of Fox Sports North, hosting the pre-post hockey shows Timberwolves, Wild, Twins and Gopher.
Tom Hanneman and his son when Kirby Puckett retired in 1997. Credit: Tom Ziegler
Hanneman was awarded the Silver Circle of the Upper Midwest Chapter in November 2020.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, two sons and a daughter. The cause of his death has not been reported.
The best moments shared with Tom Hanneman. We were roommates, he was the best man at my wedding, and beyond his extraordinary skills as a writer and broadcaster, he never lost his wisdom or deep sense of what was important. I am absolutely obliterated by the loss of https://t.co/2egstty5zm
– Mark Rosen (@KFANRosen) December 18, 2020
Such sad news today. Tom was such a good guy and he played in class. https://t.co/2zpi39Jq2J
– Amelia Santaniello (@WCCOAmelia) December 18, 2020
Not. Not. Not. https://t.co/XQkvwzulYV
– Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) December 18, 2020
Maybe 2020 to give up already ?! I just found out that wonderful @fsnorth and was @WCCO alum Tom Tom Hanneman died. What a class act. pic.twitter.com/SNNUiCHWhP
– Cathy Wurzer (@CathyWurzer) December 18, 2020
It’s hard to describe, but Tom Hanneman was a warm blanket in a cold target center. Always dressed in a suit, he would stop when I walked down the hall, I would put two hands on his bag. – Jon, how are you? in such a reassuring voice, you knew he actually wanted to know the answer.
– Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 18, 2020
No, not Tom Hanneman. Truly the cutest person in the business.
– Jim Souhan (@SouhanStrib) December 18, 2020
The thing I remember most about Tom Hanneman is that he had the best imitation of Sid Hartman I’ve ever heard.
– Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) December 18, 2020