Q&A: 'Sodfather' Reflects on Four Decades with the White Sox

After more than 40 years of building and maintaining professional baseball fields, Roger Bossard has certainly earned his nickname, "The Sodfather."

Bossard, a Lemont resident, has been the head groundskeeper for the Chicago White Sox since 1983. He joined the organization in 1967 as an assistant to his father, Gene Bossard, who was a groundskeeper from 1940-1983.

His work has been so highly regarded over the years that he has been tapped as a consultant for 14 Major League Baseball teams and four professional football teams.

Prior to Tuesday's game against the Kansas City Royals, the White Sox honored their longtime groundskeeper by created in his likeness.

Patch caught up with Bossard on Wednesday to talk about his four decades of service on Chicago's South Side.

Patch: What was your reaction when you learned you were going to be honored with your own bobblehead doll?

Bossard: What an honor! It's a crazy thing, of course. I found out during spring training. (Laughing) I guess you haven't made it big time until you have your own bobblehead.

Patch: What was the experience like?

Bossard: My bobblehead day was perfect. They recognized me before the game and everything. I'm grateful that the organization took the time to do that.

Patch: Do you think the bobblehead looks like you?

Bossard: You know what? I always thought I looked like Tom Cruise. (Laughing) The bobblehead didn't, so I guess I don't look like him anymore!

Patch: How did you get started in groundskeeping?

I started with the White Sox in 1967 as an assistant to my dad (who worked with the organization from 1940-1983). There are six in my family who are in this business. My grandfather was with the Cleveland Indians for more than 30 years before my uncles took over. Among all of us, we have more than 230 years of experience.

Patch: How important is your role in any given game?

Bossard: It's a special job. Groundskeepers make a big difference. They say the ground can make the difference in 10 games each season. It needs to be the same every single day. Some players like the ground firmer, some softer. We customize the field to be whatever the players want.

I'm the only groundskeeper in the majors that actually duplicated the field (in Arizona) for spring training.

Patch: What has been your craziest or most unexpected experience as a groundskeeper?

Bossard: Without question, I'd say the Disco Demolition. There was a riot between the games, and the field was ruined. It actually resulted in a forfeit.

(Disco Demolition Night was a promotional event turned riot at Comiskey Park on July 12, 1979. An estimated 90,000 people attended, many of whom brought disco records to be blown up by Chicago DJ Steve Dahl.)

Patch: What has been the high point of your career?

Bossard: With the Sox, obviously the 2005 World Series and getting that ring. A highpoint was also working with the royal family in Saudi Arabia. I actually built the first natural turf soccer fields there. 

Patch: Where did your nickname, "The Sodfather," come from?

Bossard: The Score (670 AM) actually came up with that years ago. It just stuck.

Patch: In April, the honored you with the for your assistance over the years. How have you put your talents to use in your own community?

Bossard: In Lemont, I really like to offer some of my knowledge and expertise. I like to help people out and better the fields for children. Being a resident, I like to give back.

Fun Facts: Getting to Know "The Sodfather"

• Bossard lives in Lemont with his wife, Geri Lynn. They have two children, Brandon and Brittany.

• He was honored as the White Sox Executive of the Year at the 61st annual Pitch and hit Club Awards dinner in January 2007.

• In addition to U.S. Cellular Field, Bossard has designed and built major-league fields in Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee, Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington. He has also built training complexes for several other organizations, including the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

• According to his official bio on the Chicago White Sox website, Bossard's patented drainage system is used by 19 major-league teams.

Check out this video from MLB.com for another look at the Bossard bobblehead.