“The Sodfather” has received the highest honor of his career, further cementing his family’s dynasty.
White Sox head groundskeeper Roger Bossard was recently inducted into Major League Baseball’s Groundskeeper Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of 12 other individuals. Among those already enshrined are his grandfather, father, and uncle, making the Bossards synonymous with excellence in the profession.
Roger has long been a fan favorite and is widely regarded as the gold standard in groundskeeping. He joined the White Sox organization back in 1967 as an assistant to his father, Gene Bossard, who served as the head groundskeeper at Comiskey Park from 1940 to 1983. Upon Gene’s retirement, Roger assumed his role and has since built a legacy that reaches far beyond the corner of 35th and Shields. Today, he stands as the longest-tenured groundskeeper in Major League Baseball history and has influenced the standards upheld by many teams.
Roger’s success on the South Side stems from the broader Bossard family legacy, which spans multiple generations. The dynasty began with his grandfather, Emil Bossard, who helped revolutionize modern field maintenance with his innovations in drainage systems, soil composition, and turf management. Emil was part of the Groundskeeper Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2012 after spending years with Cleveland. His son, Gene, brought that same expertise to Chicago, laying the foundation for what is still regarded as one of the most respected grounds crews in the sport. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame is Roger’s uncle, Marshall Bossard, who was honored posthumously following more than 50 years with the Indians organization.
Together, the Bossard family has reshaped how Major League Baseball and other professional sports view field maintenance. Their methods have become industry standards, influencing groundskeepers at the professional, collegiate, and amateur levels. Even at 77 years old, Roger continues to prove that age is just a number, leaving a lasting impact on the game that will be felt for years to come.
Our entire Sox On 35th team congratulates Roger Bossard and his family on this remarkable achievement.
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Featured Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports