Book Signing Details
The Olathe Grass Pad will be hosting a book signing event for George Toma’s new book, “The Sodfather”, on Thursday, June 13th from 1pm-3pm.
Date: Thursday, June 13th from 1pm – 3pm
Location: Olathe Grass Pad, 425 N Rawhide Dr, Olathe, KS 66061
Cost: Free! But please let us know you’re coming by filling out this form.
George Toma, often referred to as the “Sultan of Sod,” is a renowned groundskeeper celebrated for his expertise in preparing sports fields to the highest standards. Born on February 2, 1929 in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, Toma developed a passion for groundskeeping at an early age. His career began in 1942 when he was hired as an assistant groundskeeper for the Wilkes-Barre Barons, a minor league baseball team.
Toma’s exceptional skill in turf management soon caught the attention of major sports organizations. In 1957, he was hired as the head groundskeeper for the Kansas City Athletics, and later, the Kansas City Chiefs, a position he held for over four decades. His reputation for perfection and his innovative techniques in field preparation led him to work on the fields for the first 57 Super Bowls, earning him a legendary status within the industry.
Throughout his career, Toma has also contributed his expertise to other major sporting events, including the Olympics, World Series, and World Cups. His dedication to the craft and meticulous attention to detail has been recognized with induction into the International Hall of Fame of Science, Kansas City Walk of Stars, NFL Hall of Fame, MLB Groundskeepers Hall of Fame, Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Luzerne County, PA Sports Hall of Fame, and the North American Slovak Hall of Fame. Even into his 90s, Toma remained actively involved in the industry, continuing to supervise and consult on field preparations for major events.
George Toma’s legacy is not only defined by his technical prowess but also by his passion and commitment to ensuring that athletes perform on the safest and most aesthetically pleasing surfaces possible. His work ethic and achievements have set a high standard in the sports turf management industry, inspiring generations of groundskeepers.
