Eddie Feigner facts for kids
Eddie "The King" Feigner (born Myrle Vernon King on March 25, 1925 – died February 9, 2007) was an amazing American softball player. He was known for his incredible pitching skills and for entertaining crowds all over the world. Eddie Feigner (pronounced FAY-ner) was born in Walla Walla, Washington. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he decided to play softball full-time.
In 1946, he created his famous four-man team called "The King and His Court." They started by playing in the Pacific Northwest and then traveled across the country. This team became famous for doing cool tricks and putting on a great show for the audience.
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Who Was Eddie "The King" Feigner?
Eddie Feigner was a legendary softball pitcher. He was so good that many people called him "the greatest softball pitcher who ever lived." He wasn't just about winning; he wanted to entertain people and show them how exciting softball could be.
The King and His Court: A Unique Team
"The King and His Court" was a very special team. It only had four players: the pitcher (Eddie Feigner), a catcher, a first baseman, and a shortstop. People often wondered why the team was so small. Eddie explained that he was challenged to play with fewer players because his pitching was so strong. He started with just himself and a catcher, then added more players to make sure they could still play a proper game.
This small team traveled the world, playing over 10,000 games in 100 different countries. They became as famous as the Harlem Globetrotters, another team known for their amazing skills and entertainment. Eddie kept careful records of their games. He claimed an incredible 9,743 wins, 141,517 strikeouts, 930 no-hitters, and 238 perfect games! Even with all these wins, Eddie always said his team's goal was to entertain, not to make other players feel bad.
Playing for a Good Cause
Eddie Feigner and "The King and His Court" often played against military teams. They would perform at Army bases or even on the decks of aircraft carriers. They also used their games to help others. The team often gave a lot of their ticket money to charity. After Operation Desert Storm, they made supporting veterans their main charity. This showed their respect for the military and their desire to give back.
Famous Moments and Legacy
One of Eddie Feigner's most famous moments happened on February 18, 1967. He played in a charity softball game against many famous Major League Baseball players. In that game, he struck out six legendary players in a row! These included Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Maury Wills, and Harmon Killebrew. This amazing feat showed just how talented he was.
Eddie Feigner stopped pitching after he had a stroke in 2000. However, he still traveled with his team. He would act as the emcee, telling stories and entertaining the crowd while his team played. His team was even featured in an episode of the TV show King of the Hill in 2006.
Eddie Feigner passed away in February 2007 in Huntsville, Alabama. He is buried in the Huntsville Memory Gardens Cemetery. In 2013, he was honored by being inducted into the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals. His legacy as "The King" of softball and a great entertainer lives on.
