Tales from the Minnesota Sports Beat

A Lifetime on Deadline

Author Patrick Reusse with Chip Scoggins
Foreword by Dan Barreiro

Minnesota Historical Society Press (August 16, 2022)

Description

Memories and stories from more than half a century of writing, reporting, and ranting by a Minnesota sports icon.

Minneapolis Star Tribune senior columnist Patrick Reusse is a legendary fixture in Minnesota sports. Like his late colleague Sid Hartman, he is known by his legion of fans (and those who find him curmudgeonly) by one name: Reusse!

Starting as a sportswriter in 1965 and still going strong in 2021, Reusse has covered every major sporting event imaginable and met scores of unforgettable characters during his long career in newspapers, radio, and television. Reusse's unique writing style and eye for human-interest angles have made him a master storyteller. He has collected a trove of stories along the way: from growing up in tiny Fulda as the son of an undertaker, to landing a columnist gig at a big-city newspaper; from covering Tom Kelly's Twins championship teams, to handing out fictional turkeys every Thanksgiving; from Olympic triumphs and failures, to countless major moments from Twins Cities sports teams.

Reusse has seen a lot in his more than half a century reporting on sports in Minnesota and around the country. With his coauthor and fellow Star Tribune sports journalist Chip Scoggins, he brings together here his favorite stories, characters, and memories in that distinctive Reusse voice.

Advance Praise

“Reusse has said his favorite team to cover ever was the ’77 Twins. Ever is a long time for this Minnesota storyteller. Enjoy this read.”
Rod Carew, former Minnesota Twins all-star, 1977 American League MVP, and National Baseball Hall of Famer

“There are reporters and there are writers. Pat is a writer and an excellent one. He can take any subject and present it in an enjoyable way.”
Bud Grant, former Minnesota Vikings head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer

“Reusse was nearby with his notebook everywhere from Valderrama in Spain for the 1997 Ryder Cup to the Resorters at my home course in Alexandria [Minnesota]. Endless stories went into those notebooks, and the best are right here.”
Tom Lehman, Minnesota golf legend and 1996 British Open champion

“Patrick is a timeless legend who speaks to and has had an impact on every generation through his craft. He is beloved for his humor and his raw and honest reporting.”
Natalie Darwitz, former Minnesota Gopher All-American, three-time Olympic medalist, and US Hockey Hall of Famer

Author Information

Patrick Reusse has been a sportswriter since 1965 and has earned too many awards to mention. In 2019, he was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame.