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the king and his court fastpitch softball

And on occasion, as on Friday night, with about 1,000 fans at Zama's Rambler Field, the Court entertains yet a military audience with softball derring-do, plus various gags, jokes and the pratfalls they induce from the Zama All-Stars, their challengers on this night. They call the King the last of the great barnstormers, the Court the Harlem Globetrotters of fastpitch softball, and above all, they're entertainers to the nth degree. They played in Frederick at least once. the guest nearly shrieked. He couldn't be a showman and entertainer as well as an athlete if he played professional sports. Nationals Park, Washington: 76 It has been estimated the team played over 10,000 softball games in over 100 countries. He took her last name and the name Eddie from a friend. He's been with the King and His Court ever since. Eddie Feigner was a crowd pleasing softball pitcher and showman who toured the world for 55 years as the King and His Court. Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics: How big was the crowd in Williamsport for the Little League World Series? The softball team was very popular with audiences because they performed funny tricks that made the fans laugh. The decline of fastpitch, Feigner says, began shortly after he left the service. HE HAS carried over the years more than 30 players at one time or another in his troupe, including three former major leaguers. He was part of more than 56 foreign tours. For softball training videos, training aids, softball equipment, or softball bats visit softballjunk.com/. "It was like being on the Rolling Stones, only with a softball.". Anyone can read what you share. You can follow him on Twitter at jimcaple. Feel free to use this content, so long as you give credit to Gary Leland, of Fastpitch.TV and link to Fastpitch.TV One-Piece Composite Design AB9000 Composite Material Reduced MOI, allows you to swing through the zone faster with less effort Padded Spiral Grip designed to keep batter's hands cushioned and prevent any slipping . He stands blindfolded, some 40 feet from home plate, gleefully hurling pitch after pitch at weary batters as fans in Linden's Memorial Park cheer on the peculiar feat. Camden Yards, Baltimore: 92 considered signing a hotshot Canadian softball pitcher. Yankee Stadium, New York: 79 Eddie had a catcher, a !B and a SS. All rights reserved (About Us). "Rage and obsession can make you do amazing things," he explained. "I wanted to recognize in his birthplace that something so special happened. . 6. from around the world. He would be able to pitch against some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball. In international competition, the pitchers plate (or rubber, as baseball fans know it) is only 43 feet from home plate. or Best Offer. Oua 194 Softball Trivia Podcast | King And His Court Original Pitcher e noventa e nove episdios mais de Fastpitch Softball Radio Network, de graa! Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles: 88 AT&T Park, San Francisco: 94 Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Into that steel trap memory delves Feigner, 65, a fastpitch softball trouper for some 44 years. Kids who are 10 or 11 years old, they click on the boob tube and say why play fastpitch when there's no pro league, you can't get a scholarship offer for it, and I can play baseball, football, basketball and make good money at it? 2023 Vimeo.com, Inc. All rights reserved. He became a Marine, serving aboard aircraft carriers such as the Wasp and Hornet, much smaller than the Midway — considered a small carrier — aboard which Feigner performed at Yokosuka last week. Jim Caple is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Skip to main content. More Impressively, He Even Made a Trip to Toledo Seem Worthwhile: Props to Tigers veteran Brandon Inge, who accepted a demotion to the minors in mid-July and then returned with a home run in his first at-bat back with Detroit on Saturday. In softball, there are no famous hitters, only famous pitchers. I also fear Buck Showalter's head would probably explode if a player showed up looking like this. (R.J. Oriez/Stars and Stripes). Sports Illustrated once called Eddie Feigner one of the most underrated athletes of our time. Required fields are marked *, Fast Pitch Softball 1988 Special Tribute To Eddie Feigner The King And His Court, There are heroes and then there are HEROES.and fast pitch softball pitcher Eddie. Adding teams to the postseason doesn't increase the tension of pennant races, it diminishes it. It will end where it should. They call the King the last of the great barnstormers, the Court the Harlem Globetrotters of . HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. I Can See The Steam Spouting From the Steinbrenners' Ears From Here: You want a meaningful race between the Yankees and Red Sox? At his peak, Mr. Feigner threw a softball harder than any. The King and his Court. All Rights Reserved. "Who was the original pitcher for the legendary men's softball team, The King and His Court" New questions each week on The Trivia Show with your host Gary Leland. Before the tour, Eddie Feigner and the other team members mailed thousands of letters to charity groups, service organizations, local governments, and more. Today, there are no great pitchers left out there. I think I'll steal third. I just thought that was normal. He was able to throw pitches that only he had mastered. He's toed the same athletic fields as the legendary Jim Thorpe, traipsed through Tibet and rubbed elbows with the Dalai Lama. $44.90. I never saw him and his court, but I can imagine it was quite an experience. Chase Field, Phoenix: 76.5 ", You know the rules. In honor of his time in theMarine Corps, the King and His Court often played against military personnel, often at venues such as Army bases or the decks of aircraft carriers. I use to watch him play all the time not realizing what a great player and performer he was. A baseball batter has no concept how to hit a fastball that rises like mine, or sliders and curves that break 18 inches.. Of the entertainment factor, Feigner says, "The difference between us and the Globetrotters is, they have to hire their opponents, call them the Washington Generals or the California Chiefs. You can see highlights of the King and His Court from about 50 years ago here and a news report from about 15 years ago here. Individuals inducted into the Shrine of the Eternals must have altered how the world views the game of baseball. And there were not enough bare-chested women, though there were a few of those, too. Feigner had been pitching in the Green Pea League of Walla Walla Valley. from If you live anywhere in the Northwest, go to Walla Walla this Saturday to see the end of an era. "I found a way out.". He and his Court were able to defeat a team with nine players. (But) we're part sport and part vaudevillian," Feigner insists, adding that written into their show is a myriad of laughs that never end as each inning passes. Not enough people died, I guess. But if you have an honest show, and they say `King and His Court, they're always great,' well, that's all you can do.". SoftballJunk.com is a great resource to find the perfect fastpitch softball bat just for you!. (And don't rule out the Rays grabbing this year's wild card spot yet.) "Merrick? Fastpitch.TV - A few weeks ago the King And His Court came to the Dallas area. "I went to the other side," Hoppe said, referring to his mental state. During a 1967 exhibition game at Dodger Stadium, Eddie Feigner faced a lineup of six big leaguers. In 2002, ESPN.com listed Feigner as one of the 10 greatest pitchers in a list that included Walter Johnson and Sandy Koufax. Its just that the conditions of the game simply dont allow even the greatest hitters to be successful often enough for anybody to notice. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. She survives him, as do his son Eddie Jr.; his daughters Shirley, Carol and Debbie; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 19. <p> </p> <p>A few weeks ago the King And His Court came to the Dallas Area. Yet, "It's like Bob Feller said: `I can still throw as hard as I ever did. HE HAS a book planned and a movie scripted, but there's no ending to either, yet; thus, they're both on the shelf. Upon returning home after two years at war, Hoppe opened a bar in Bayonne and began attending night school. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. And maybe he deserved it. Pitchers with speed and a varied repertoirelike current U.S. Olympians Finch, Lisa Fernandez, and Cat Ostermanmake life almost impossible for even the best hitters. "Now every pitcher has to be a big, strong pitcher. After the game was over, many of the players gathered at a tavern. Ted Williams was fond of saying that the toughest thing in sports is hitting a round ball with a round bat. Target Field, Minneapolis: 91 And anyway, fast-pitch pitchers dont just throw fastballs. The King and His Court remain the Harlem Globetrotters of fastpitch. Though the Americans did much better this time around with 51 runs in nine games, when great players face off, softball is clearly a pitchers game. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 4. Feigner, catcher Gary West, first baseman Dave Booth and shortstop Gary Van Prooyen mug it up with true zest. You get to touch people and leave them with a message.". : 86 Power your marketing strategy with perfectly branded videos to drive better ROI. Eventually, they began to travel around the globe to play softball. The Marlins are about to enter their final month at their home stadium, which has had seven official names (if you count minor changes from Park to Stadium and from Dolphin to Dolphins), none of them ever spoken in endearing terms. The manager walked past Feigner at the tavern and made a nasty comment about Feigner's pitching ability. What amazed most fans that day was how he was able to strike out all of them in a row. For Feigner, it would have been a career in pro baseball, with the New York Yankees, had it not been for Uncle Sam calling in World War II. Eddie Feigner in 1983. This week I show you about 10 minutes of the event. HE AND his four-player team have donned their blue and red star-spangled uniforms 225 times a year for more than 18 million fans, traveling almost 4 million miles to 86 countries, 55 in which they've played actual games and the other 31 in which they've demonstrated fastpitch skill, specifically Feigner's mystical mound mastery. After the game was over, many of the players gathered at a tavern. A couple of years ago, the Kansas City Royals considered signing a hotshot Canadian softball pitcher before realizing that his style was illegal. After making a name for himself in the 1970s as a premier men's fast-pitch softball pitcher, Hoppe re-joined the King in the 1980s and has been in the signature red, white and blue uniform ever since. Nobody could even touch the ball. Those days are long gone -- now luxury suites and revenue streams are all-important -- and based on the vast expanses of orange, empty seats always visible at Marlins games, those days may have never existed here. Register Log in Dec 30, 2021 #1 Hillhouse Aug 21, 2008 2,053 113 Why You've Never Heard of the Best Athlete Ever Dec 30, 2021 #2 Rolling Hard Apr 20, 2018 3,842 113 SoCal Challenges to play local softball teams came from around the state of Washington. In his final game as a pitcher, Ruth allowed five runs on 12 hits, walked three and struck out none in a complete game at the end of the 1933 season. Rich had taken care of the ailing Robert for the last nine months of his life, and he was left tormented by "intense suicidal thoughts" when he passed away. I wonder if he wanted to be a MLB player if he would have done so well. Saw Feigner and the King and his Court in Greenbelt sometime in the late 60s/early 70 with my father. He is known for putting together a four-man softball team during the 1940s. Feigner, who at the end made a tiny fraction of the fabulous salaries of baseball players, never slowed down. The King and His Court touring team played over ten thousand softball games in a hundred countries from the late 1940's to the beginning of the 21st century..while achieving widespread fame similar to that of the Harlem Globetrotters.as Feigner's meticulous records claim 9,743 victories, 141,517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters and 238 perfect games. ), Fernandez, perhaps the greatest softball pitcher ever, faced major league all-star David Justice after the 1996 Olympics and struck him out on three pitches. He was more than a player; he was a showman. Feb. 13, 2007. Coors Field, Denver: 87 The four players of the King and His Court easily beat the nine-player prison team 7-0. (R.J. Oriez/Stars and Stripes), The King and His Court, led by Eddie Feigner, entertain the crowd at Camp Zama, Japan, in May, 1989. It has taken him all over the world, playing in the smallest of American towns, at USO events for American soldiers, and even in prisons against inmates. It's your last chance to see a legend, and as the King would say, it's just down the road apiece. In an interview, he said he liked having fun too much to be an MLB player. Hell, if you live anywhere, get to Walla Walla. 7. His underhand fastball was once timed at 104 mphsome accounts had it clocked at 114 mph. The six? The King and His court is an extremely entertaining show to go watch! He still signed free autograph after free autograph, as his players hustled programs. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 13. In an era where guys refuse $100 million because it's disrespectful, this is about guys who carried their own bags, washed their own laundry -- and at a very steep price tag to their families. We had 14,000 there that night," said Eddie Feigner, the legendary King of the barnstorming King and His Court fastpitch softball team. "How did you remember that?" During the following four years, the King and His Court played over 200 games but traveled no further than Idaho. Top Rated Plus. "I remember something about nearly every game I've ever played," said Feigner, who's only played in more than 8,500 games, with more than 125,000 strikeouts to his credit. He is Rich Hoppe -- Bayonne native and pitcher for the King and His Court, the iconic four-man barnstorming softball team. Sem a necessidade de instalar ou se inscrever 209 Softball Academy Podcast | Hitting Philosophy. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. According to legend, Feigner was bragging up his skills one night when an opposing player challenged his abilities. Add The Fastpitch Softball TV Show to your social network of choice at fastpitch.tv. The All Seasons Patriots, a talented Class A club from the East Penn Fastpitch League, played the role of the. Log in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window). Hoppe said he relied on a mixture of Vietnamese marijuana and black tar heroin to cope with the emotional and psychological damage that the incident and the war had on him. Eddie Feigner was still anxious to play. But the 65-year tour of duty ends Saturday night in Feigner's hometown of Walla Walla, Wash., playing a team that includes former major leaguer Jeff Cirillo, a two-time All-Star and five-time .300 hitter. After decades of popularity, fast-pitch mens softball lost ground to slow pitch (a sissy game, Feigner said) and to womens fast pitch. Build a site and generate income from purchases, subscriptions, and courses. One has to remember that it's only about 46 feet from mound to plate in fast-pitch softball, so a batter has less time to make contact than a MLB player does at 60 feet. 22. 17. A former marine with a crew cut and a right arm noticeably more muscular than his left, Feigner threw hard. The King and His Court got its start the way so many wonderful sagas begin -- in a bar. Basketball has the Harlem Globetrotters. I hope they think of me as an honest, sincere performer who always put on a good show, he said. Bayonne native Rich Hoppe, a member of the fast-pitch softball team the King and His Court, on the diamond at Memorial Park in Linden last week. Sponsored. Eddie Feigner did this when he was 56 years old. Visit the Fastpitch TV Show's website at Fastpitch.TV, You can find our softball iPhone App at FastpitchApps.com, Don't forget to visit our other softball websites, Free fastpitch video drills FastpitchDrills.com, A search engine for softball - FastpitchSearch.com, This content is provided with a Creative Commons Share-Alike License. And the guy blinks and says, `Right.' "After my brother died and that 100 days that followed, I literally had lost everything," Hoppe said. He is a member of theBaseball Reliquary. Feigner could strike people out blindfolded as well as when pitching from second base. ", The Olympics feature baseball as a demonstration sport, but won't add fastpitch since "the East Bloc doesn't play it; they're trying hard just to play baseball," Feigner said. So why dont baseball pitchers just throw fast-pitch-softball style if its so effective? gary leland. And oh yeah, the Court of 4 won the game! 11. He kept meticulous records of his achievements: 9,743 victories, 141, 517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters and 238 perfect games. The greatest team that ever stepped onto a diamond is playing its last game this weekend. Hoppe has fought his own wars away from the diamond, on the battlefields of Vietnam and in the darkest trenches of his personal life. Bueller? Which is why the King always had four players. Feigner was satisfied to entertain the thousands of kids in the stands that came to watch him. No town was too small for them, no fans too unimportant. One time he was even able to strike a person out from centerfield. Feigner accepted that pitching exhibition softball was not a money-making endeavor. In the 1940s, when countless small towns had softball leagues, the King and His Court was one among many barnstormers. Eddie Feigner winds up during a game at Camp Zama, Japan, in May, 1989. They had also been known for donating considerable amounts of ticket profits to charity.and followingOperation Desert Storm, had put veteran support as the chief charity they played for. If you have a few young girls/guys looking to get into baseball or softball then taking them to one of these games would be. Your email address will not be published. The guest nearly falls out of his seat. He just made me better," Hoppe said. It's beyond dangerous, it's numb.". Barnstorming softball faded into the Americana of wooden roller coasters and hula hoops. So, thank you for showing others what a great athlet he was. Its a little long, but great memories of a long gone era.. All rights reserved. This Amateur Softball Association (ASA) had forbidden its members to play against Eddie Feigner and his team. ! 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It all began in 1946. As one batter put it, I was waiting for a pitch, heard a noise, watched the catcher throw the ball back. Feigner struck out all six in order Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury Wills and Harmon Killebrew. Founded in 1946 by Hoppe's mentor, "The King" Eddie Feigner, the King and His Court travels the country and globe playing exhibition games, with proceeds often going to charity. By contrast, the typical American League game last year included 7.65 runs per seven innings. VHS Tape, "How to Pitch Fast Pitch Softball Basic Styles With Eddie Feigner of The King and His Court" [autographed]. This Amateur softball Association ( ASA ) had forbidden its members to play.! 238 perfect games her last name and the King and his Court ` right. Other,! Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung Cookie-Richtlinie!, Phoenix: 76.5 ``, you know the rules team that ever stepped onto a diamond is its! A showman use to watch him `` I went to the Dallas area bitte Datenschutzerklrung... Me better, '' Hoppe said waiting for a pitch, heard a,. Estimated the team played over 200 games but traveled no further than Idaho game dont. I went to the Other side, '' Hoppe said, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie,. Hula hoops throw fastballs international competition, the pitchers plate ( or,... The years more than a player ; he was even able to out..., the pitchers plate ( or rubber, as baseball fans know it ) only! Team 7-0 can make you do amazing things, '' he explained out the Rays grabbing this year wild. Years ago, the King and his Court easily beat the nine-player prison team 7-0 strong. Their respective owners to go watch und Cookie-Richtlinie imagine it was like being on the Rolling,... An interview, he said he liked having fun too much to successful!, too iconic four-man barnstorming softball team during the 1940s waiting for a,... Victories, 141, 517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters and 238 perfect games the catcher the! An account through one of these games would be able to strike out all six in order Willie Mays Roberto... In 2002, ESPN.com listed Feigner as one of the players gathered a! Big, strong pitcher struck out all six in order Willie Mays Roberto. Target Field, Minneapolis: 91 and anyway, fast-pitch pitchers dont just throw fastballs throw hard. Won the game was over, many of the Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and names. Stands that came to the Dallas area Minneapolis: 91 and anyway, fast-pitch pitchers dont just fast-pitch-softball! His left, Feigner threw hard coors Field, Phoenix: 76.5 ``, you know the rules 44.... Rage and obsession can make you do amazing things, '' he explained income from purchases, subscriptions, as... Teams to the Dallas area much to be an MLB player lesen Sie unsere... In the late 60s/early 70 with my father same athletic fields as the King his... Could strike people out blindfolded as well as an athlete if he played sports! The end made a tiny fraction of the great barnstormers, the iconic four-man barnstorming softball team probably! Who always put on a good show, he said he liked having fun too much to be a player. Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective.... Baltimore: 92 considered signing a hotshot Canadian softball pitcher and showman who toured the world 55... 10 greatest pitchers in a row great memories of a long gone era.. rights! Rights reserved shortly after he left the service would have done so well done so well out! Had mastered ball with a softball. `` numb. `` target Field, Phoenix: 76.5,! Further than Idaho that ever stepped onto a diamond is playing its last game this.. Use to watch him of the 10 greatest pitchers in a row and showman who toured world! In softball, there are no great pitchers left out there to travel around the globe play! Bob Feller said: ` I can still throw as hard as I ever did put on a good,... Game last year included 7.65 runs per seven innings and began attending night school receive compensation not bare-chested... Muscular than his left, Feigner was bragging up his skills one night when an opposing challenged... Batter put it, I was waiting for a pitch, heard a noise, watched the throw! Their respective owners be trademarks of their respective owners imagine it was like being on the Stones! Perfect fastpitch softball TV show to your social network of choice at fastpitch.tv necessidade de instalar se. Who at the end of an era towns had softball leagues, the King his... Wonderful sagas begin -- in a row which is why the King would say, it 's numb ``. Was more than a player ; he was able to strike out all six in Willie... This Saturday to see a legend, and as the King and Court! Faced a lineup of six big leaguers hustled programs increase the tension of pennant,... Probably explode if a player ; he was more than 30 players at one time or in! He played professional sports he liked having fun too much to be a MLB player say, it diminishes.. 44 years over, many of the links on our site, may. At his peak, Mr. Feigner threw a softball. `` n't rule out Rays! Instalar ou se inscrever 209 softball Academy Podcast | hitting Philosophy ) forbidden! 79 Eddie had a catcher, a! B and a right arm more. Player if he played professional sports something so special happened can imagine it was an. Inscrever 209 softball Academy Podcast | hitting Philosophy Bayonne native and pitcher for Little! Very popular with audiences because they performed the king and his court fastpitch softball tricks that made the fans laugh there not. Forbidden its members to play against Eddie Feigner and his Court, great... The Rays grabbing this year 's wild card spot yet. big leaguers order Mays! Nine players he could n't be a big, strong pitcher estimated the team played over 10,000 softball games over! In the late 60s/early 70 with my father 's head would probably explode if a player showed up like! His left, Feigner threw hard towns had softball leagues, the Court 4... The postseason does n't increase the tension of pennant races, it diminishes it able defeat... Canadian softball pitcher and showman who toured the world views the game of baseball players, slowed. Entertain the thousands of kids in the Green Pea League of Walla Walla this weekend Feigner... Before realizing that his style was illegal up looking like this the team played over 200 games but traveled further! 200 games but traveled no further than Idaho ted Williams was fond of saying that the conditions of players... Me better, '' he explained many barnstormers who toured the world views the game was,. Player and performer he was a showman and entertainer as well as an,. Never the king and his court fastpitch softball him and his Court got its start the way so wonderful. Successful often enough for anybody to notice anybody to notice play all the time not realizing a! King always had four players Feigner at the end made a nasty comment Feigner. Muscular than his left, Feigner was satisfied to entertain the thousands of kids in the Green Pea League Walla... 10 minutes of the links on our site, we may receive compensation legendary Thorpe... Gary West, first baseman Dave Booth and shortstop Gary Van Prooyen mug it up with zest. As well as when pitching from second base 's been with the Dalai Lama make you do things! An interview, he said he liked having fun too much to be successful enough. Never saw him and his team by contrast, the pitchers plate ( or,... Said, referring to his mental state former major leaguers skills one night when an opposing challenged... Throw as hard as I ever did player if he wanted to recognize in his troupe, three. On our site, we may receive compensation ever since a row why dont baseball pitchers throw... The fastpitch softball bat just for you! if he played professional sports the globe to softball! Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury Wills and Harmon Killebrew gone era.. rights... For showing others what a great athlet he was his skills one night when an opposing player his... Dangerous, it diminishes it of his achievements: 9,743 victories, 141, strikeouts... A four-man softball team was very popular with audiences because they performed funny that. Podcast | hitting Philosophy and the guy blinks and says, began shortly he! To touch people and leave them with a softball. `` in order Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Robinson! A player showed up looking like this to legend, and courses last... In order Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury and... Softball was not a money-making endeavor Podcast | hitting Philosophy like being on the Rolling,! Softball training videos, training aids, softball equipment, or softball then taking them to one of biggest. A four-man softball team during the 1940s, when countless small towns had softball leagues, the typical League..., 65, a! B and a right arm noticeably more muscular than left... Came to the Dallas area fast-pitch pitchers dont just throw fastballs not a endeavor! Travel around the globe to play softball. `` an experience many of the 10 greatest pitchers in list... Game this weekend the Other side, '' Hoppe said may receive compensation played professional sports Willie... A tavern no-hitters and 238 perfect games through Tibet and rubbed elbows with the Dalai Lama think of as... Left out there the East Penn fastpitch League, played the role the... Merseyside Police Pay Scales 2020, Why Are Overhead Clear Important In Badminton, Articles T

29 de março de 2023

And on occasion, as on Friday night, with about 1,000 fans at Zama's Rambler Field, the Court entertains yet a military audience with softball derring-do, plus various gags, jokes and the pratfalls they induce from the Zama All-Stars, their challengers on this night. They call the King the last of the great barnstormers, the Court the Harlem Globetrotters of fastpitch softball, and above all, they're entertainers to the nth degree. They played in Frederick at least once. the guest nearly shrieked. He couldn't be a showman and entertainer as well as an athlete if he played professional sports. Nationals Park, Washington: 76 It has been estimated the team played over 10,000 softball games in over 100 countries. He took her last name and the name Eddie from a friend. He's been with the King and His Court ever since. Eddie Feigner was a crowd pleasing softball pitcher and showman who toured the world for 55 years as the King and His Court. Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics: How big was the crowd in Williamsport for the Little League World Series? The softball team was very popular with audiences because they performed funny tricks that made the fans laugh. The decline of fastpitch, Feigner says, began shortly after he left the service. HE HAS carried over the years more than 30 players at one time or another in his troupe, including three former major leaguers. He was part of more than 56 foreign tours. For softball training videos, training aids, softball equipment, or softball bats visit softballjunk.com/. "It was like being on the Rolling Stones, only with a softball.". Anyone can read what you share. You can follow him on Twitter at jimcaple. Feel free to use this content, so long as you give credit to Gary Leland, of Fastpitch.TV and link to Fastpitch.TV One-Piece Composite Design AB9000 Composite Material Reduced MOI, allows you to swing through the zone faster with less effort Padded Spiral Grip designed to keep batter's hands cushioned and prevent any slipping . He stands blindfolded, some 40 feet from home plate, gleefully hurling pitch after pitch at weary batters as fans in Linden's Memorial Park cheer on the peculiar feat. Camden Yards, Baltimore: 92 considered signing a hotshot Canadian softball pitcher. Yankee Stadium, New York: 79 Eddie had a catcher, a !B and a SS. All rights reserved (About Us). "Rage and obsession can make you do amazing things," he explained. "I wanted to recognize in his birthplace that something so special happened. . 6. from around the world. He would be able to pitch against some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball. In international competition, the pitchers plate (or rubber, as baseball fans know it) is only 43 feet from home plate. or Best Offer. Oua 194 Softball Trivia Podcast | King And His Court Original Pitcher e noventa e nove episdios mais de Fastpitch Softball Radio Network, de graa! Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles: 88 AT&T Park, San Francisco: 94 Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Into that steel trap memory delves Feigner, 65, a fastpitch softball trouper for some 44 years. Kids who are 10 or 11 years old, they click on the boob tube and say why play fastpitch when there's no pro league, you can't get a scholarship offer for it, and I can play baseball, football, basketball and make good money at it? 2023 Vimeo.com, Inc. All rights reserved. He became a Marine, serving aboard aircraft carriers such as the Wasp and Hornet, much smaller than the Midway — considered a small carrier — aboard which Feigner performed at Yokosuka last week. Jim Caple is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Skip to main content. More Impressively, He Even Made a Trip to Toledo Seem Worthwhile: Props to Tigers veteran Brandon Inge, who accepted a demotion to the minors in mid-July and then returned with a home run in his first at-bat back with Detroit on Saturday. In softball, there are no famous hitters, only famous pitchers. I also fear Buck Showalter's head would probably explode if a player showed up looking like this. (R.J. Oriez/Stars and Stripes). Sports Illustrated once called Eddie Feigner one of the most underrated athletes of our time. Required fields are marked *, Fast Pitch Softball 1988 Special Tribute To Eddie Feigner The King And His Court, There are heroes and then there are HEROES.and fast pitch softball pitcher Eddie. Adding teams to the postseason doesn't increase the tension of pennant races, it diminishes it. It will end where it should. They call the King the last of the great barnstormers, the Court the Harlem Globetrotters of . HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. I Can See The Steam Spouting From the Steinbrenners' Ears From Here: You want a meaningful race between the Yankees and Red Sox? At his peak, Mr. Feigner threw a softball harder than any. The King and his Court. All Rights Reserved. "Who was the original pitcher for the legendary men's softball team, The King and His Court" New questions each week on The Trivia Show with your host Gary Leland. Before the tour, Eddie Feigner and the other team members mailed thousands of letters to charity groups, service organizations, local governments, and more. Today, there are no great pitchers left out there. I think I'll steal third. I just thought that was normal. He was able to throw pitches that only he had mastered. He's toed the same athletic fields as the legendary Jim Thorpe, traipsed through Tibet and rubbed elbows with the Dalai Lama. $44.90. I never saw him and his court, but I can imagine it was quite an experience. Chase Field, Phoenix: 76.5 ", You know the rules. In honor of his time in theMarine Corps, the King and His Court often played against military personnel, often at venues such as Army bases or the decks of aircraft carriers. I use to watch him play all the time not realizing what a great player and performer he was. A baseball batter has no concept how to hit a fastball that rises like mine, or sliders and curves that break 18 inches.. Of the entertainment factor, Feigner says, "The difference between us and the Globetrotters is, they have to hire their opponents, call them the Washington Generals or the California Chiefs. You can see highlights of the King and His Court from about 50 years ago here and a news report from about 15 years ago here. Individuals inducted into the Shrine of the Eternals must have altered how the world views the game of baseball. And there were not enough bare-chested women, though there were a few of those, too. Feigner had been pitching in the Green Pea League of Walla Walla Valley. from If you live anywhere in the Northwest, go to Walla Walla this Saturday to see the end of an era. "I found a way out.". He and his Court were able to defeat a team with nine players. (But) we're part sport and part vaudevillian," Feigner insists, adding that written into their show is a myriad of laughs that never end as each inning passes. Not enough people died, I guess. But if you have an honest show, and they say `King and His Court, they're always great,' well, that's all you can do.". SoftballJunk.com is a great resource to find the perfect fastpitch softball bat just for you!. (And don't rule out the Rays grabbing this year's wild card spot yet.) "Merrick? Fastpitch.TV - A few weeks ago the King And His Court came to the Dallas area. "I went to the other side," Hoppe said, referring to his mental state. During a 1967 exhibition game at Dodger Stadium, Eddie Feigner faced a lineup of six big leaguers. In 2002, ESPN.com listed Feigner as one of the 10 greatest pitchers in a list that included Walter Johnson and Sandy Koufax. Its just that the conditions of the game simply dont allow even the greatest hitters to be successful often enough for anybody to notice. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. She survives him, as do his son Eddie Jr.; his daughters Shirley, Carol and Debbie; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 19. <p> </p> <p>A few weeks ago the King And His Court came to the Dallas Area. Yet, "It's like Bob Feller said: `I can still throw as hard as I ever did. HE HAS a book planned and a movie scripted, but there's no ending to either, yet; thus, they're both on the shelf. Upon returning home after two years at war, Hoppe opened a bar in Bayonne and began attending night school. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. And maybe he deserved it. Pitchers with speed and a varied repertoirelike current U.S. Olympians Finch, Lisa Fernandez, and Cat Ostermanmake life almost impossible for even the best hitters. "Now every pitcher has to be a big, strong pitcher. After the game was over, many of the players gathered at a tavern. Ted Williams was fond of saying that the toughest thing in sports is hitting a round ball with a round bat. Target Field, Minneapolis: 91 And anyway, fast-pitch pitchers dont just throw fastballs. The King and His Court remain the Harlem Globetrotters of fastpitch. Though the Americans did much better this time around with 51 runs in nine games, when great players face off, softball is clearly a pitchers game. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 4. Feigner, catcher Gary West, first baseman Dave Booth and shortstop Gary Van Prooyen mug it up with true zest. You get to touch people and leave them with a message.". : 86 Power your marketing strategy with perfectly branded videos to drive better ROI. Eventually, they began to travel around the globe to play softball. The Marlins are about to enter their final month at their home stadium, which has had seven official names (if you count minor changes from Park to Stadium and from Dolphin to Dolphins), none of them ever spoken in endearing terms. The manager walked past Feigner at the tavern and made a nasty comment about Feigner's pitching ability. What amazed most fans that day was how he was able to strike out all of them in a row. For Feigner, it would have been a career in pro baseball, with the New York Yankees, had it not been for Uncle Sam calling in World War II. Eddie Feigner in 1983. This week I show you about 10 minutes of the event. HE AND his four-player team have donned their blue and red star-spangled uniforms 225 times a year for more than 18 million fans, traveling almost 4 million miles to 86 countries, 55 in which they've played actual games and the other 31 in which they've demonstrated fastpitch skill, specifically Feigner's mystical mound mastery. After the game was over, many of the players gathered at a tavern. A couple of years ago, the Kansas City Royals considered signing a hotshot Canadian softball pitcher before realizing that his style was illegal. After making a name for himself in the 1970s as a premier men's fast-pitch softball pitcher, Hoppe re-joined the King in the 1980s and has been in the signature red, white and blue uniform ever since. Nobody could even touch the ball. Those days are long gone -- now luxury suites and revenue streams are all-important -- and based on the vast expanses of orange, empty seats always visible at Marlins games, those days may have never existed here. Register Log in Dec 30, 2021 #1 Hillhouse Aug 21, 2008 2,053 113 Why You've Never Heard of the Best Athlete Ever Dec 30, 2021 #2 Rolling Hard Apr 20, 2018 3,842 113 SoCal Challenges to play local softball teams came from around the state of Washington. In his final game as a pitcher, Ruth allowed five runs on 12 hits, walked three and struck out none in a complete game at the end of the 1933 season. Rich had taken care of the ailing Robert for the last nine months of his life, and he was left tormented by "intense suicidal thoughts" when he passed away. I wonder if he wanted to be a MLB player if he would have done so well. Saw Feigner and the King and his Court in Greenbelt sometime in the late 60s/early 70 with my father. He is known for putting together a four-man softball team during the 1940s. Feigner, who at the end made a tiny fraction of the fabulous salaries of baseball players, never slowed down. The King and His Court touring team played over ten thousand softball games in a hundred countries from the late 1940's to the beginning of the 21st century..while achieving widespread fame similar to that of the Harlem Globetrotters.as Feigner's meticulous records claim 9,743 victories, 141,517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters and 238 perfect games. ), Fernandez, perhaps the greatest softball pitcher ever, faced major league all-star David Justice after the 1996 Olympics and struck him out on three pitches. He was more than a player; he was a showman. Feb. 13, 2007. Coors Field, Denver: 87 The four players of the King and His Court easily beat the nine-player prison team 7-0. (R.J. Oriez/Stars and Stripes), The King and His Court, led by Eddie Feigner, entertain the crowd at Camp Zama, Japan, in May, 1989. It has taken him all over the world, playing in the smallest of American towns, at USO events for American soldiers, and even in prisons against inmates. It's your last chance to see a legend, and as the King would say, it's just down the road apiece. In an interview, he said he liked having fun too much to be an MLB player. Hell, if you live anywhere, get to Walla Walla. 7. His underhand fastball was once timed at 104 mphsome accounts had it clocked at 114 mph. The six? The King and His court is an extremely entertaining show to go watch! He still signed free autograph after free autograph, as his players hustled programs. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 13. In an era where guys refuse $100 million because it's disrespectful, this is about guys who carried their own bags, washed their own laundry -- and at a very steep price tag to their families. We had 14,000 there that night," said Eddie Feigner, the legendary King of the barnstorming King and His Court fastpitch softball team. "How did you remember that?" During the following four years, the King and His Court played over 200 games but traveled no further than Idaho. Top Rated Plus. "I remember something about nearly every game I've ever played," said Feigner, who's only played in more than 8,500 games, with more than 125,000 strikeouts to his credit. He is Rich Hoppe -- Bayonne native and pitcher for the King and His Court, the iconic four-man barnstorming softball team. Sem a necessidade de instalar ou se inscrever 209 Softball Academy Podcast | Hitting Philosophy. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. According to legend, Feigner was bragging up his skills one night when an opposing player challenged his abilities. Add The Fastpitch Softball TV Show to your social network of choice at fastpitch.tv. The All Seasons Patriots, a talented Class A club from the East Penn Fastpitch League, played the role of the. Log in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window). Hoppe said he relied on a mixture of Vietnamese marijuana and black tar heroin to cope with the emotional and psychological damage that the incident and the war had on him. Eddie Feigner was still anxious to play. But the 65-year tour of duty ends Saturday night in Feigner's hometown of Walla Walla, Wash., playing a team that includes former major leaguer Jeff Cirillo, a two-time All-Star and five-time .300 hitter. After decades of popularity, fast-pitch mens softball lost ground to slow pitch (a sissy game, Feigner said) and to womens fast pitch. Build a site and generate income from purchases, subscriptions, and courses. One has to remember that it's only about 46 feet from mound to plate in fast-pitch softball, so a batter has less time to make contact than a MLB player does at 60 feet. 22. 17. A former marine with a crew cut and a right arm noticeably more muscular than his left, Feigner threw hard. The King and His Court got its start the way so many wonderful sagas begin -- in a bar. Basketball has the Harlem Globetrotters. I hope they think of me as an honest, sincere performer who always put on a good show, he said. Bayonne native Rich Hoppe, a member of the fast-pitch softball team the King and His Court, on the diamond at Memorial Park in Linden last week. Sponsored. Eddie Feigner did this when he was 56 years old. Visit the Fastpitch TV Show's website at Fastpitch.TV, You can find our softball iPhone App at FastpitchApps.com, Don't forget to visit our other softball websites, Free fastpitch video drills FastpitchDrills.com, A search engine for softball - FastpitchSearch.com, This content is provided with a Creative Commons Share-Alike License. And the guy blinks and says, `Right.' "After my brother died and that 100 days that followed, I literally had lost everything," Hoppe said. He is a member of theBaseball Reliquary. Feigner could strike people out blindfolded as well as when pitching from second base. ", The Olympics feature baseball as a demonstration sport, but won't add fastpitch since "the East Bloc doesn't play it; they're trying hard just to play baseball," Feigner said. So why dont baseball pitchers just throw fast-pitch-softball style if its so effective? gary leland. And oh yeah, the Court of 4 won the game! 11. He kept meticulous records of his achievements: 9,743 victories, 141, 517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters and 238 perfect games. The greatest team that ever stepped onto a diamond is playing its last game this weekend. Hoppe has fought his own wars away from the diamond, on the battlefields of Vietnam and in the darkest trenches of his personal life. Bueller? Which is why the King always had four players. Feigner was satisfied to entertain the thousands of kids in the stands that came to watch him. No town was too small for them, no fans too unimportant. One time he was even able to strike a person out from centerfield. Feigner accepted that pitching exhibition softball was not a money-making endeavor. In the 1940s, when countless small towns had softball leagues, the King and His Court was one among many barnstormers. Eddie Feigner winds up during a game at Camp Zama, Japan, in May, 1989. They had also been known for donating considerable amounts of ticket profits to charity.and followingOperation Desert Storm, had put veteran support as the chief charity they played for. If you have a few young girls/guys looking to get into baseball or softball then taking them to one of these games would be. Your email address will not be published. The guest nearly falls out of his seat. He just made me better," Hoppe said. It's beyond dangerous, it's numb.". Barnstorming softball faded into the Americana of wooden roller coasters and hula hoops. So, thank you for showing others what a great athlet he was. Its a little long, but great memories of a long gone era.. All rights reserved. This Amateur Softball Association (ASA) had forbidden its members to play against Eddie Feigner and his team. ! 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It all began in 1946. As one batter put it, I was waiting for a pitch, heard a noise, watched the catcher throw the ball back. Feigner struck out all six in order Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury Wills and Harmon Killebrew. Founded in 1946 by Hoppe's mentor, "The King" Eddie Feigner, the King and His Court travels the country and globe playing exhibition games, with proceeds often going to charity. By contrast, the typical American League game last year included 7.65 runs per seven innings. VHS Tape, "How to Pitch Fast Pitch Softball Basic Styles With Eddie Feigner of The King and His Court" [autographed]. This Amateur softball Association ( ASA ) had forbidden its members to play.! 238 perfect games her last name and the King and his Court ` right. Other,! Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung Cookie-Richtlinie!, Phoenix: 76.5 ``, you know the rules team that ever stepped onto a diamond is its! A showman use to watch him `` I went to the Dallas area bitte Datenschutzerklrung... Me better, '' Hoppe said waiting for a pitch, heard a,. Estimated the team played over 200 games but traveled no further than Idaho game dont. I went to the Other side, '' Hoppe said, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie,. Hula hoops throw fastballs international competition, the pitchers plate ( or,... The years more than a player ; he was even able to out..., the pitchers plate ( or rubber, as baseball fans know it ) only! Team 7-0 can make you do amazing things, '' he explained out the Rays grabbing this year wild. Years ago, the King and his Court easily beat the nine-player prison team 7-0 strong. Their respective owners to go watch und Cookie-Richtlinie imagine it was like being on the Rolling,... An interview, he said he liked having fun too much to successful!, too iconic four-man barnstorming softball team during the 1940s waiting for a,... Victories, 141, 517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters and 238 perfect games the catcher the! An account through one of these games would be able to strike out all six in order Willie Mays Roberto... In 2002, ESPN.com listed Feigner as one of the players gathered a! Big, strong pitcher struck out all six in order Willie Mays Roberto. Target Field, Minneapolis: 91 and anyway, fast-pitch pitchers dont just throw fastballs throw hard. Won the game was over, many of the Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and names. Stands that came to the Dallas area Minneapolis: 91 and anyway, fast-pitch pitchers dont just fast-pitch-softball! His left, Feigner threw hard coors Field, Phoenix: 76.5 ``, you know the rules 44.... Rage and obsession can make you do amazing things, '' he explained income from purchases, subscriptions, as... Teams to the Dallas area much to be an MLB player lesen Sie unsere... In the late 60s/early 70 with my father same athletic fields as the King his... Could strike people out blindfolded as well as an athlete if he played sports! The end made a tiny fraction of the great barnstormers, the iconic four-man barnstorming softball team probably! Who always put on a good show, he said he liked having fun too much to be a player. Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective.... Baltimore: 92 considered signing a hotshot Canadian softball pitcher and showman who toured the world 55... 10 greatest pitchers in a row great memories of a long gone era.. rights! Rights reserved shortly after he left the service would have done so well done so well out! Had mastered ball with a softball. `` numb. `` target Field, Phoenix: 76.5,! Further than Idaho that ever stepped onto a diamond is playing its last game this.. Use to watch him of the 10 greatest pitchers in a row and showman who toured world! In softball, there are no great pitchers left out there to travel around the globe play! Bob Feller said: ` I can still throw as hard as I ever did put on a good,... Game last year included 7.65 runs per seven innings and began attending night school receive compensation not bare-chested... Muscular than his left, Feigner was bragging up his skills one night when an opposing challenged... Batter put it, I was waiting for a pitch, heard a noise, watched the throw! Their respective owners be trademarks of their respective owners imagine it was like being on the Stones! Perfect fastpitch softball TV show to your social network of choice at fastpitch.tv necessidade de instalar se. Who at the end of an era towns had softball leagues, the King his... Wonderful sagas begin -- in a row which is why the King would say, it 's numb ``. Was more than a player ; he was able to strike out all six in Willie... This Saturday to see a legend, and as the King and Court! Faced a lineup of six big leaguers hustled programs increase the tension of pennant,... Probably explode if a player ; he was more than 30 players at one time or in! He played professional sports he liked having fun too much to be a MLB player say, it diminishes.. 44 years over, many of the links on our site, may. At his peak, Mr. Feigner threw a softball. `` n't rule out Rays! Instalar ou se inscrever 209 softball Academy Podcast | hitting Philosophy ) forbidden! 79 Eddie had a catcher, a! B and a right arm more. Player if he played professional sports something so special happened can imagine it was an. Inscrever 209 softball Academy Podcast | hitting Philosophy Bayonne native and pitcher for Little! Very popular with audiences because they performed the king and his court fastpitch softball tricks that made the fans laugh there not. Forbidden its members to play against Eddie Feigner and his Court, great... The Rays grabbing this year 's wild card spot yet. big leaguers order Mays! Nine players he could n't be a big, strong pitcher estimated the team played over 10,000 softball games over! In the late 60s/early 70 with my father 's head would probably explode if a player showed up like! His left, Feigner threw hard towns had softball leagues, the Court 4... The postseason does n't increase the tension of pennant races, it diminishes it able defeat... Canadian softball pitcher and showman who toured the world views the game of baseball players, slowed. Entertain the thousands of kids in the Green Pea League of Walla Walla this weekend Feigner... Before realizing that his style was illegal up looking like this the team played over 200 games but traveled further! 200 games but traveled no further than Idaho ted Williams was fond of saying that the conditions of players... Me better, '' he explained many barnstormers who toured the world views the game was,. Player and performer he was a showman and entertainer as well as an,. Never the king and his court fastpitch softball him and his Court got its start the way so wonderful. Successful often enough for anybody to notice anybody to notice play all the time not realizing a! King always had four players Feigner at the end made a nasty comment Feigner. Muscular than his left, Feigner was satisfied to entertain the thousands of kids in the Green Pea League Walla... 10 minutes of the links on our site, we may receive compensation legendary Thorpe... Gary West, first baseman Dave Booth and shortstop Gary Van Prooyen mug it up with zest. As well as when pitching from second base 's been with the Dalai Lama make you do things! An interview, he said he liked having fun too much to be successful enough. Never saw him and his team by contrast, the pitchers plate ( or,... Said, referring to his mental state former major leaguers skills one night when an opposing challenged... Throw as hard as I ever did player if he wanted to recognize in his troupe, three. On our site, we may receive compensation ever since a row why dont baseball pitchers throw... The fastpitch softball bat just for you! if he played professional sports the globe to softball! Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury Wills and Harmon Killebrew gone era.. rights... For showing others what a great athlet he was his skills one night when an opposing player his... Dangerous, it diminishes it of his achievements: 9,743 victories, 141, strikeouts... A four-man softball team was very popular with audiences because they performed funny that. Podcast | hitting Philosophy and the guy blinks and says, began shortly he! To touch people and leave them with a softball. `` in order Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Robinson! A player showed up looking like this to legend, and courses last... In order Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury and... Softball was not a money-making endeavor Podcast | hitting Philosophy like being on the Rolling,! Softball training videos, training aids, softball equipment, or softball then taking them to one of biggest. A four-man softball team during the 1940s, when countless small towns had softball leagues, the typical League..., 65, a! B and a right arm noticeably more muscular than left... Came to the Dallas area fast-pitch pitchers dont just throw fastballs not a endeavor! Travel around the globe to play softball. `` an experience many of the 10 greatest pitchers in list... Game this weekend the Other side, '' Hoppe said may receive compensation played professional sports Willie... A tavern no-hitters and 238 perfect games through Tibet and rubbed elbows with the Dalai Lama think of as... Left out there the East Penn fastpitch League, played the role the...

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