George Toma releases new book

George Toma, the pride of Kansas City, will have a book signing starting at 5 p.m. on June 8 at Legends Field in Kansas City. Toma’s new book with author Craig Handel is titled “The Sodfather,” and chronicles Toma’s 80-year career.

The Sodfather George Toma

Toma rose from hardscrabble beginnings in the anthracite coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania to manicure sports fields in stadiums and ballparks all over the world. While doing so, he brought attention, respect and honor to a profession.

Toma’s resume includes working the first 57 Super Bowls, the 1984 and 1996 Olympics and the 1994 World Cup. Locally, he manicured Ewing Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, his beloved Municipal Stadium and the George P. Toma Wiffle Ball Field.

Two mottos are part of George’s core beliefs: One is “Do your best – and then some.” The other is that the best insurance for an athlete is a safe playing field.

According to Toma, while grateful for opportunities the NFL provided, the league not addressing issues on Super Bowl fields conflicted with his beliefs. When league officials continued to dismiss his concerns, his frustration led him to write this book to set the record straight.

“The Sodfather” is available in paperback and hardcover.

George Toma will be signing copies of the book June 8-13 at the following locations:

  • Saturday, June 8 at 5 p.m.: Legends Field 1600 Village West Parkway, Kansas City
  • Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m.: Crown Books, 12018 W. 95th St., Lenexa, Kansas
  • Monday, June 10 at 5 p.m.: Unity Temple, 707 W 47th St., Kansas City
  • Tuesday, June 11 at 4:30 p.m.: Negro Leagues Museum 1616 E18th St., Kansas City
  • Wednesday, June 12 at 5 p.m.: George P. Toma Wiffle Ball Field 239 W 52nd. St., Kansas City
  • Thursday, June 13 at 1 p.m.: GrassPad, 425 N Rawhide in Olathe, Kansas