Best Seat in the House: Mark Rosen's Sports Moments and Minnesota Memories

by Mark Rosen, Don Shelby (Foreword), Jim Bruton (Contributor)

Mark Rosen was hired by WCCO television at the age of 17 and has been a part of the ’CCO team for more than four decades. During that time he has become one of the most popular and respected sports media celebrities in the Twin Cities, state, and region—a true icon on the Minnesota sports scene. In this first-person account, Rosen shares his experiences working with athletes, journalists, and a variety of local notables. He describes the most memorable moments from the playing fields and behind the scenes, and he offers insights gleaned from four decades in the business.

Beyond being a major local TV and radio personality, Rosen is very active in the community and has established a reputation for his honesty, integrity, and credibility. The stories and anecdotes contained in this book offer a rare inside look into the worlds of sports, media, and even politics from the perspective of someone who is a legend in his field.

Genres: Sports

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Luke Koran · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an autobiography that in-part represents the general experience of the entire Twin Cities sports reporting and radio commentary profession over the past half-century, recently-retired WCCO sports anchor Mark Rosen provides a vast portrait of the Minnesota sports scene and how the media has portrayed it through hard work, teamwork, and a shared sense of honesty and trust with both athletes, coaches, and owners, as well as with the viewing audience.

Rosey does an excellent job in detailing the behind-the-camera work that goes into a local television broadcast, followed by the poise needed when the lights and camera are thrust upon the anchor. This reader appreciated the numerous personal experiences shared by Rosen, including his pure elation at attending the Miracle on Ice game, relationships with Bud Grant and Harmon Killebrew, and breaking the news on Brett Favre's signing with the Vikings and Joe Mauer's contract. This book is a treasure to any Minnesota sports fan who is interested in another perspective into the greatest form of entertainment ever created - professional sports, which includes the people playing them, but of near equal importance, those who present, broadcast and comment on them.

[Kathy O’Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really into sports, but an interesting story of his career.

[Zach Koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a fan of Minnesota professional sports for roughly two decades, sports journalist Mark Rosen has often been seen on my television, heard on my radio dial, or observed reporting from live events, bringing me the "jist" of the action. I have always been impressed by his balance of professionalism and "giddyness" (he is covering sports, after all!) while plying his trade. "Best Seat In The House" is a solid grouping of recollections that confirms what I had always thought about Mr. Rosen: he's just a guy like you or me who worked hard and (through a combination of luck, skill, and persistence) ended up with his "dream job". The book does a very nice job of taking readers "along for the ride" on the journey (so far) that is Rosen's life.

Obviously, this book is meant primarily for Minnesota sports fans, as that has been Rosen's niche for the past few decades. Stories abound regarding the Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other local sporting pastimes. Entire chapters are devoted to the topics of the "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic hockey team (which Rosen covered live from Lake Placid), Bud Grant, & Harmon Killebrew. Clearly, this book has a "Minnesotan flavor" through and through.

However, "Best Seat" can also be useful to the budding journalism who wants to know what he/she will be expecting in that field. While it is fairly obvious that Rosen has a passion for what he does, he also pulls very few punches when it comes to describing the life of a journalist. The profession is most definitely not for everyone (as significant sacrifices must be made in regards to family, privacy, and time spent "on the job"), and thankfully Rosen does not sugarcoat this face.

Overall, "Best Seat In The House" is an interesting look at the professional career of a MN sports media icon. There is no groundbreaking material here, but rather a solid tome that any MN sports fan or journalist-in-the-making can take at least something positive away from.

[Dale Stonehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing earth-shaking here, but the paeans to Bud Grant and Harmon Killebrew make this a worthwhile read for any Minnesota sports fan of that era. His stories about working his way into a TV newsroom at age 19 are unique and heartening, and the list of names from WCCO who went on to work at CBS is impressive. Also, his 1980s classic radio forays with KQRS and Tom Barnard are fondly remembered, including his 1986 write-in campaign for governor which he says was a precursor for Jesse Ventura's election; given that many of the same voters were involved, that is likely.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, and at times inspiring, look at the long-time Twin Cities sports broadcaster's career. From when he was a kid and dreaming of being a sportscaster, to living his dream at the Winter Olympics in 1980 when USA beat Russia in hockey. Rosen provides insight into the dynamics of sports journalism and broadcast TV, the changes through the years and the value of credibility. A good read!

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor writing style. He says something. Re-states it another way. Then re-states again. Maybe once more. Usually I just read for content and don't pick up on style, but I couldn't get past it here.

[Kelly Bolin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of the stories were good but there seemed to be too much of the "I don't mean to sound arrogant, etc" followed by a paragraph of that exactly. The writing style was also quite juvenile - it seemed like it was from a fourth grader.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Mark Rosen. He is a contemporary of mine. It was fun hearing about his career experiences and how his industry has changed. I just have one suggestion for Markie , keep your day job as a sportscaster.

[Al Schewe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, especially if you are a Twin City sports fan. Gets a bit repatitive toward the last 1/4 of the book.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another self-indulgent sports biography with little new to add.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for the 2019 Book Hoarder's Reading Challenge-#2, A Male on the Cover.