Field of Dreams: Bonita Springs father and sons bonding through softball

Three brothers and their 87-year-old dad are all playing on a softball team together. If that isn’t special enough, all of them were named to the all-star team.

At 87, Fred Boddy is still stepping into the batters’ box and swinging the bat. “I just didn’t want to give it up. I’ve given up other things along the way to stay with this,” said Fred Bobby.

He says there are two reasons he won’t give up the game, team and family. This season at Citrus Park in Bonita Springs, Fred’s three sons, Mike, Steve, and Scott, are his teammates. “They take it more seriously than I do it. I told them just relax and play. This is a fun game. All your going to win is a t-shirt,” said Fred.

Win or lose, just spending time together is the true victory. “With dad being 87, you never know what’s going to happen, so we have to savor the moment now,” said Steve Bobby.

Those highlights include cheering for each other. “He’s batting well, playing well. Caught two like this without a glove,” said Mike Bobby. “He’s coaching more than anything from the catcher’s spot. He’s always got his mouth moving. He’s having fun,” Steve said.

To help their dad, Fred’s sons take turns running the bases for him. “I’m successful this year because I’ve got some good runners,” said Fred. “That’s how I pulled my first hamstring. Because of him,” said Mike.

This game has given the Bobby family memories that will last forever. For Fred, that is what matters. “It’s emotional for me… Grateful,” said Fred as he began to tear up. The Bobby family is grateful to have their very own field of dreams.

Fred Boddy said this could be his last season playing. If that’s the case, he is going out on top. Fred and his three sons were all named to their league’s all-star team.