What is it about living in Minnesota that shapes the careers and values of its most successful athletes and sports figures? In Minnesota Made Me, award-winning sportswriter Patrick C. Borzi digs into the background of more than three dozen of Minnesota’s most accomplished athletes, coaches, broadcasters, and executives in search of the answer.
For this book, Borzi interviewed more than 20 local sports figures, including Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Lindsay Whalen, Adam Thielen, and Tyus Jones. The stories go beyond modern stars, though. Lou Nanne and Tony Oliva came to Minnesota from afar and never left. Paul Molitor and Zach Parise found success elsewhere, then came back and found more. The book also chronicles historical figures such as the late Toni Stone, who left to become a pioneer in baseball's Negro Leagues. And the state has produced Olympians in many sports, with gold medalists Jessie Diggins, Briana Scurry, John Shuster, and Gigi Marvin among those who shared their stories.
Whether famous or obscure, lifelong residents or transplants, all share common ground in work ethic, integrity, and a drive for excellence. Many have gone on to find success in post-athletic endeavors as well. The stories they've shared here are sure to educate and inspire.