MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Tom Hanneman, the sports journalism career in the Twin Cities that lasted nearly 50 years, is dead.
While 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 set foot in the door as a dispatcher.
Then, in the early 1970s, Hanneman began working for WCCO-TV as a sports reporter and presenter. During his time, he covered two Vikings appearances in the Superbowl, the 1987 World Series for the Twins and the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
He and former sports anchor Mark Rosen came to WCCO around the same time and quickly became friends and teammates. He was known within the industry as one of the kindest and humblest souls. He has had heart problems for about a year and a half, according to WCCO’s Mike Max.
Tom Hanneman (second from the right). Credit: Tom Ziegler
In 1979, Hanneman experienced what he called a “life-affirming event,” in which he was taken hostage by the Red Laker Reservation. He was shot in the head and told he would die.
After 16 years, Hanneman left WCCO-TV to join the newly formed Minnesota Timberwolves as a radio and television presenter. Eventually, it became the play-by-play voice of wolves.
Glen Taylor, owner of Timberwolves and Lynx, issued a statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Hanneman. Since the beginnings of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tom has been a broadcaster and voice of our franchise over the years. First on the radio, then on television, his more than five decades of broadcasting experience impacted 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 Timberwolves, Wild, Twins and Gopher pre- and post-hockey game programs.
Tom Hanneman with his son in retirement number Kirby Puckett in 1997. Credit: Tom Ziegler
Hanneman was awarded the Silver Circle of the Upper Midwest Emmy 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 time shared with Tom Hanneman. We were roommates, he was the best man in my marriage, and beyond his enormous skill as a writer and broadcaster, he never lost his wit or deep sense of what was important. I am absolutely dodged by his loss https://t.co/2egstty5zm
– Mark Rosen (@KFANRosen) December 18, 2020
Such sad news today. Tom was such a good, classy man. https://t.co/2zpi39Jq2J
– Amelia Santaniello (@WCCOAmelia) December 18, 2020
No. No. No. Devastating. https://t.co/XQkvwzulYV
– Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) December 18, 2020
Can it come out in 2020 ?! I just learned that wonderful @fsnorth and old @WCCO student Tom Hanneman is dead. 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 at a cold Target Center. Always dressed, he would stop when we walked down the hall, we would put both hands in the bag. “Jon, how are you?” with a voice so calming that you knew I really wanted to know the answer.
– Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 18, 2020
No, not Tom Hanneman. The friendliest person in the business.
– Jim Souhan (@SouhanStrib) December 18, 2020
What I will remember most about Tom Hanneman is that he had the best impersonation of Sid Hartman I have ever heard.
– Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) December 18, 2020