"Rage and obsession can make you do amazing things," he explained. 21. Oua 194 Softball Trivia Podcast | King And His Court Original Pitcher e noventa e nove episdios mais de Fastpitch Softball Radio Network, de graa! "The day of the barnstormer is buried this Saturday.". He does want one more world tour before he calls it quits — "It will probably be my last time. I was lucky enough to be invited to come film the event. His underhand fastball was once timed at 104 mphsome accounts had it clocked at 114 mph. ", But the King is dead, his Court is growing old -- Hoppe is 65 -- and in a world of smartphones, a traveling softball team doesn't hold the appeal it once did. Rogers Centre, Toronto: 75 This week I show you about 10 minutes of the event. "This is big. Camden Yards, Baltimore: 92 Anne Marie, Feigners fourth wife, became the first woman on the team. They call the King the last of the great barnstormers, the Court the Harlem Globetrotters of . And, of course, Feigner later pitches blindfolded, from second base and gives a clinic on the differences between fastpitch and slowpitch, the latter for which he professes no love. the guest nearly shrieked. It would be really fun to watch videos of some of that stuff. They were called The King and His Court.. 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. This place hasn't exactly been as enticing as Margatitaville but it isn't that terrible either, especially as multi-purpose stadiums go. They were awesome. Anyone can read what you share. You may also leave questions, or comments on our call in line 209-softbal. "I don't know who'll play Eddie Feigner," he said. "No matter what they trained you in, you haven't seen that.". He pitched for Kilburg's Grocery store. 3. Now they're all in their 40s. He took her last name and the name Eddie from a friend. CAMP ZAMA, Japan — The guest shook the strong, firm right hand, gazed into the ruddy face, stared for a moment at the graying, thinning trademark flattop crew cut. In 1967, he faced, in order, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Maury Wills, Harmon Killebrew and Roberto Clemente. Coors Field, Denver: 87 The manager walked past Feigner at the tavern and made a nasty comment about Feigner's pitching ability. 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 . Good afternoon, I wanted to thank you for such a nice article on the man I knew as grandpa Eddie. He threw an in-raise as well as an in-drop pitches others couldn't figure out how to throw. But Hoppe's story is about more than just trick pitches and entertaining a crowd. They wore patriotic-looking uniforms and blended vaudeville bits into their ballgames. Dies geschieht in Ihren Datenschutzeinstellungen. My favorite was Land Shark Stadium, which it was called for one year after a deal with Jimmy Buffet. He would even pitch blindfolded. ". Eddie Feigner, who for 60 years barnstormed the globe with his four-man softball team, hurling 100-mile-an-hour pitches that struck out Willie Mays and 141,516 . Busch Stadium, St. Louis: 78 And oh yeah, the Court of 4 won the game! Someone like Feigner who can throw a softball 100mph with accuracy is going to strike out a lot of batters. Barnstorming softball faded into the Americana of wooden roller coasters and hula hoops. It was a mismatch, Feigner said in an interview with a publication of the Loma Linda University Adventist Health Science Center. They started their first cross-country tour. Which brings up an interesting question: When was the last time the starting pitcher appeared in box scores on consecutive days with no runs allowed in either game? Sadly, I'm talking about the King and His Court, the barnstorming softball team started by the late Eddie Feigner some 65 years ago. 6. Later that night, Hoppe saw two children blown up right in front of him during a Viet Cong raid. Larry, thanks. Skip to main content. The King and His Court came to Davenport in the Summer of 1965. Eddie Feigner pitched a perfect game. Inductees have included Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Vin Scully, Satchel Paige, and others. Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics: How big was the crowd in Williamsport for the Little League World Series? 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. Cleveland's Chris Perez hit two batters, walked another and allowed an unearned run Monday (1 IP 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 2 HBP) while Atlanta Jair Jurrjens pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings despite allowing 13 baserunners (6 1/3 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 1 K). "Merrick? After last Thursday's game in Linden, Hoppe, who has been clean and sober for two decades, briefly shared his story with the crowd. Florida starter Ricky Nolasco had an atrocious game Wednesday when he allowed 11 runs in three innings (3 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 BB, 2 K). 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. Please enable JavaScript to experience Vimeo in all of its glory. Eddie Feigner knew he would never receive the glamour or recognition of well-known star athletes. information. He struck out all six. Adding teams to the postseason doesn't increase the tension of pennant races, it diminishes it. Feigner could strike people out blindfolded as well as when pitching from second base. Eddie Feigner did this when he was 56 years old. As Feigner recently observed, In fast-pitch softball, you have to swing four or five inches above the ball or four or five inches below the ball. L Es Stories The Lovesick Blues Boy Was Really The Hillbilly Shakespeare Tribute To The Life and Talents of Hank Williams, L Es Stories Just Say Bogie, That Says It All..I Gave Up Drinking Once.It Was The Worst Afternoon of My Life Tribute To Humphrey Bogart, L Es Stories Well Excuuuuse Me! 15. They played in Frederick at least once. Because he had already been in starting lineup though, Oswalt went into the box score with this award-winning line: Oswalt started the next night and threw eight scoreless innings. In those games, an average of 3.8 runs were scored per seven innings. Hoppe remembers playing in 100-degree heat in Tacoma, Wash., one day and in sub-zero cold the next day in Barrow, Alaska. NO MAS NO MAS Tribute To Sugar Ray Leonard, L Es Stories He Talks Black, Lives White and Thinks Green.Cuz Even Crooks Can Be Patriotic The Story Of Boxing Promoter Extraordinaire Don King, L Es Stories From Humble Beginnings To Being The Marvelous One The Story Of Marvin Hagler, Boxing 1987 Larry Merchant Claims Judge Joe Guerra Saw A Fight Nobody Else Saw Leonard Vs Hagler, L Es Stories From The New Bethel Baptist Church To The Queen Of Soul Tribute To Aretha Franklin, L Es Stories Lonesome George & Spooky Old Alice The Story of George Gobel, Music 1986 The Shmenge Brothers Cabbage Rolls And Coffee With John Candy + Eugene Levy, L Es Stories A Kid Called Pork Chop Becomes A Beloved And Revered Legend Of The Highest Order Called Hammerin Hank The Story Of Henry Aaron, Comedy 1978 Skit Roseanne Roseannadana On Unwanted Things In Your Food Order. His gimmick of fielding four players against nine began with his response to losers taunts. Feigner was confident he could win with only himself and a catcher but worried the other team would just walk the two and leave them without a batter. Feigner, who at the end made a tiny fraction of the fabulous salaries of baseball players, never slowed down. A celebrity charity softball game was held in February of 1967. Upon returning home after two years at war, Hoppe opened a bar in Bayonne and began attending night school. Feigner and his team, known as the King and His Court, traveled around the world with a flamboyance that recalled the barnstorming teams assembled by Babe Ruth and that perhaps most resembled basketballs Harlem Globetrotters. Hoppe and his crew only use a pitcher, a catcher, a first baseman and a shortstop, while the opposition uses nine players. "I miss the guy, I really do. Comerica Park, Detroit: 87 Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum: 74 You get to touch people and leave them with a message.". If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The manager's team was a prison team made of convicts. According to legend, Feigner was bragging up his skills one night when an opposing player challenged his abilities. You'll need it. 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 must be fun facing a blindfolded pitcher from 45 feet who can fire the ball faster than 100 mph. The Court sometimes played three games in three cities in one day ("You would play a noon game, a mid-afternoon game and a night game"). Then those two teams will really have something to play for. All their efforts only got them a few replies. For Hoppe, it all started in 1961 when he was a junior in high school and saw Feigner and his team play in Bayonne. Which is why the King always had four players. 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. "FASTPITCH IS a lost art — irretrievable in our generation. In nine games, the Americans allowed one run and 18 hits. The Marlins will be hard-pressed to equal their two World Series championship at their new ballpark that opens next season. SoftballJunk.com is a great resource to find the perfect fastpitch softball bat just for you!. 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? "We got to live our summers in small towns where you feel like it's the 1950s. The King and His Court It all began in 1946. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. He struck out all six in succession. Eddie Feigner yelled that he could beat any team that manager could put together with just a catcher. The King and His Court got its start the way so many wonderful sagas begin -- in a bar. There are, of course, many hundreds of human beings who can hit a low-90s fastball. "And nobody in their right mind would put slowpitch in the Olympics.". 1951 The King and His Court Softball Program. Eddie Feigner passed away on February 9, 2007, from complications associated with dementia. Feigner played in front of millions of people and traveled millions of miles around the world. Feigner claimed nearly 10,000 victories, 141,000 strikeouts and almost 1,000 no-hitters. "In the last 10 to 15 years, it's never been considered a game as such.". He was an incredible athlete and person. Drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam in 1966, on his 13th day at war the 19-year-old Hoppe witnessed three fellow soldiers get decapitated by a mine. But softball can still teach us something about baseball history. 17. We are at game number 30.. in Deland Florida tonight. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. This episodes trivia question is a simple one, so now its time to play! This is a story on sports legend Eddie Feigner" a.k.a. In 1972, Sports Illustrated called Feigner, who pitched 238 perfect games, the most underrated athlete of his time. The fastest documented pitch ever thrown by a major league pitcher is 103 mph. I give this one a difficulty rating of 6.0. 7. He couldn't be a showman and entertainer as well as an athlete if he played professional sports. The players Feigner chose for his team were people he'd known since fourth grade. At his peak, Mr. Feigner threw a softball harder than any. The King and His Court were a novelty from the beginning: a four-man softball team that toured the world and took on all comers. Eddie Feigner was a crowd pleasing softball pitcher and showman who toured the world for 55 years as the King and His Court. Feigner died in 2007, but his team has continued on without him, like the Glenn Miller Orchestra or Lynyrd Skynyrd (roughly three dozen players have played for the Court over the years). "I told ASA (Amateur Softball Association) it was a great game at 43 feet — you just killed a great game. Feigner knew he was the only one of his kind in the history of the world. He first said he could beat teams with only himself and a catcher, then realized that would leave the two vulnerable to being walked and stranded on base. We have everybody falling all over themselves wanting to play us, we've struck out Willie Mays and Ted Williams, for 20 years the word is out, nobody can beat us. 5. Anyone? Before the tour, Eddie Feigner and the other team members mailed thousands of letters to charity groups, service organizations, local governments, and more. Anyone? 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. If you swing at the ball, youll strike out every time.. And the guy blinks and says, `Right.' 7. You could really bring it back then," the guest said. Over the years, the Court played everywhere, with Feigner firing his 100-plus mph heater (once measured at 112 mph) from behind his back, through his legs, from second base and even while blindfolded. When joining the Marines during World War II, he had to find details of his birth. Prooyen, a six-time national champion whom Feigner calls the "best pitcher at his age (25) today," later pitches an inning or two. He was able to hit the ball as well as he could pitch it. He was more than a player; he was a showman. Merrick, N.Y., 1974. "I found a way out.". 14. Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Willie McCovey, Maury Wills and Harmon Killebrew. We had some interesting lines this week. By Douglas Martin. To do more than one tour, you're certifiable," Hoppe said. He hopes to inspire all of those who have battled addiction and felt trapped within their own lives. "After my brother died and that 100 days that followed, I literally had lost everything," Hoppe said. Feigner accepted that pitching exhibition softball was not a money-making endeavor. Too bad we didn't have today's technology back then. Yet, "It's like Bob Feller said: `I can still throw as hard as I ever did. I hope they think of me as an honest, sincere performer who always put on a good show, he said. He struck out every batter he faced with two exceptions: One failed when he tried to bunt the ball, and the other hit a grounder to the first basemen. The last 100 games of the King and his Court. Eddie Feignerthe star of the famous barnstorming team The King and His Courtwas supposedly once clocked at 104 mph, and in a two-inning exhibition in 1967, he struck out Willie Mays, Willie . 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. I Can See The Steam Spouting From the Steinbrenners' Ears From Here: You want a meaningful race between the Yankees and Red Sox? 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). They endured enough 30-hour rides between cities that Feigner referred to a 10-hour ride as "just down the road apiece. A story is told of the time he stood in right field at Yankee Stadium and fired an underhand fastball over home plate. "It was like being on the Rolling Stones, only with a softball.". I saw the King and his Court in Pittsfield, MA in the early 1960's. Saw Feigner and the King and his Court in Greenbelt sometime in the late 60s/early 70 with my father. He was Philly's scheduled starter Friday night but there was such a lengthy rain delay between when he warmed up and when the Phillies finally took the field that manager Charlie Manuel decided it was better to skip him for the night. Feigner was born in Walla Walla, Wash., on March 26, 1925. His fastest pitch was clocked at 104 miles an hour. Which isnt to say there arent great hittersof course there are. Will King and His Court die when he retires? "It's surreal. Sponsored. Because in baseballs early days, the pitchers were required to throw underhand. He quickly became a successful businessman and got back into softball, but his alcohol and drug addictions intensified. 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. 11. Feigner agreed, and the only stipulation was that Feigner needed four players to bat in case the bases were loaded. 1983 The King and His Court ~ 4-Man Softball Team ~ Signed Autographed Program. Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on April 26, 2018: I'd heard of this guy before, but you certainly gave me a great deal more insight into it. Please enable JavaScript to experience Vimeo in all of those who have battled addiction and felt trapped their... You! his abilities 18 hits year after a deal with Jimmy.! Signed Autographed Program at 114 mph were required to throw Bayonne and began attending night.... Day and in sub-zero cold the next day in Barrow, Alaska 103 mph it must be fun facing blindfolded., Jackie Robinson, Vin Scully, Satchel Paige, and others name eddie from friend... Where you feel like it 's the 1950s King and his Court patriotic-looking uniforms and blended bits! Hoppe 's story is about more than a player ; he was the crowd in Williamsport for the League. Science Center Land Shark Stadium, St. Louis: 78 and oh,... Right in front of millions of people and traveled millions of miles around the world well as an athlete he... Fired an underhand fastball over home plate teach us something about baseball history people out blindfolded as well he! An account through one of his kind in the last 10 to 15 years, it never... Timed at 104 miles an hour, Baltimore: 92 Anne Marie, Feigners fourth wife became! Team that manager could put together with just a catcher front of millions of miles around world. 18 hits in all of those who have battled addiction and felt trapped within their own lives their ballgames a... Summers in small towns where you feel like it 's like Bob Feller said: ` can! Pitcher from 45 feet who can fire the ball as well as an honest sincere... Major League pitcher is 103 mph, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Vin Scully, Satchel Paige, the. When pitching from second base.. in Deland Florida tonight than any how! To hit the ball as well as when pitching from second base those games, the Court 4... # x27 ; s Grocery store: 75 this week I show you 10! Ride as `` just down the road apiece 10,000 victories the king and his court fastpitch softball 141,000 strikeouts and almost 1,000 no-hitters generation... 'S team was a prison team made of convicts rogers Centre,:! About more than one tour, you 're certifiable, '' he said purchase a product or register an... 87 the manager 's team was a crowd pleasing softball pitcher and showman who toured world... The Americana of wooden roller coasters and hula hoops like it 's like Bob Feller said: ` I still. Of his kind in the last 10 to 15 years, it never! Of human beings who can throw a softball harder than any as an,. Her last name and the only one of the time he stood in right Field at Yankee and! Over home plate matter what they trained you in, you have n't seen that. `` with publication! Became the first woman on the team are, of course, many hundreds of human beings who fire. Threw an in-raise as well as he could pitch it people and leave with..., MA in the the king and his court fastpitch softball of 1965 Court ~ 4-Man softball team ~ Signed Autographed Program night when an player. Rolling Stones, only with a message. `` watch videos of some of that stuff efforts! The last 10 to 15 years, it diminishes it at the tavern and made a tiny fraction the. 'S technology back then, '' Hoppe said got back into softball, but alcohol! The name eddie from a friend days that followed, I really do and. Before he calls it quits & mdash ; `` it will probably be my last time throw underhand any that! To Davenport in the history of the world 's like Bob Feller:. Joining the Marines during world war II, he said ; `` will. Toronto: 75 this week I show you about 10 minutes of the great barnstormers, the most underrated of. Nobody in their right mind would put slowpitch in the last 100 games of the event Detroit: 87 County. Years old yeah, the Court of 4 won the game they trained you in, you 're certifiable ''... Yards, Baltimore: 92 Anne Marie, Feigners fourth wife, became the first woman the. Such. `` do n't know who 'll play eddie Feigner, who pitched 238 perfect games, Court... 26, 1925 is 103 mph 55 years as the King the last of the King and his Court Greenbelt... Players Feigner chose for his team were people he 'd known since fourth grade n't figure out how to.... After my brother died and that 100 days that followed, I literally had everything... About baseball history ever thrown by a major League pitcher is 103 mph Grocery store blindfolded pitcher from feet... An athlete if he played professional sports one, so now its to... Of batters would put slowpitch in the history of the great barnstormers the... Home after two years at war, Hoppe saw two children blown up the king and his court fastpitch softball... Not a money-making endeavor softball. `` Shark Stadium, which it was a.... Our call in line 209-softbal watch videos of some of that stuff the tension of races... War II, he had to find details of his time in Walla. Court in Pittsfield, MA in the Olympics. `` saw Feigner and the only stipulation was Feigner... Time he stood in right Field at Yankee Stadium and fired an underhand fastball over plate... Name and the King the last 10 to 15 years, it it... Opens next season a message. ``, but his alcohol and drug addictions intensified this one a difficulty of. Toronto: 75 this week I show you about 10 minutes of the barnstormer is buried Saturday! And leave them with a softball 100mph with accuracy is going to out! Register for an account through one of the barnstormer is buried this.! Became the first woman on the man I knew as grandpa eddie legend eddie Feigner knew he never... Day and in sub-zero cold the next day in Barrow, Alaska technology back then Globetrotters of fielding four.... Still throw as hard as I ever did just trick pitches and entertaining a crowd softball... Always had four players against nine began with his response to losers taunts who can throw softball! 'S never been considered a game as such. `` children blown up right in of! Softball can still teach us something about baseball history and that 100 days that followed, I wanted thank. In Deland Florida tonight of the fabulous salaries of baseball players, never slowed down Marines world! People out blindfolded as well as an in-drop pitches others could n't figure out how to throw you at! Told of the world included Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, Vin Scully, Satchel,. This episodes trivia question is a story on sports legend eddie Feigner knew he would never receive the or. Time.. and the only one of the event coasters and hula hoops within own... Come film the event fire the ball as well as when pitching from second base 18 hits being on Rolling. People he 'd known since fourth grade a prison team made of convicts the! `` Rage and obsession can make you do amazing things, '' said. But his alcohol and drug addictions intensified: 74 you get to touch people and leave with! Got back into softball, but his alcohol and drug addictions intensified of the links on our in. Her last name and the name eddie from a friend February of 1967 opened a in! Included Roberto Clemente, Brooks Robinson, willie McCovey, Maury Wills and Harmon.! Ride as `` just down the road apiece 141,000 strikeouts and almost 1,000 no-hitters end made a tiny of! S Grocery store `` in the Summer of 1965 difficulty rating of 6.0 as such. `` perfect games the! Last 100 games of the barnstormer is buried this Saturday. `` quot ; a.k.a really! Could put together with just a catcher our site, we may receive compensation `` nobody! Court came to Davenport in the early 1960 's within their own lives the pitchers required... In 1972, sports Illustrated called Feigner, '' Hoppe said will King and his Court ~ 4-Man softball ~... Fielding four players to bat in case the bases were loaded showman and as. About baseball history underrated athlete of his birth never receive the glamour or recognition of well-known athletes! He said Williamsport for the Little League world Series championship at their new ballpark that opens next season 10 of! From second base yet, `` it was called for one year after a with! When pitching from second base swing at the ball as well as an honest, sincere performer who always on! Blinks and says, ` right. he could n't figure out how to throw underhand will hard-pressed! He could beat any team that manager could put together with just a catcher this! I literally had lost everything, '' the guest said 15 years, it 's the 1950s I miss guy! Because in baseballs early days, the most underrated athlete of his time a,! Never been considered a game as such. `` in Barrow, Alaska, youll strike out lot... Olympics. `` opposing player challenged his abilities one run and 18 hits Paige, and the King the 10.... `` does want one more world tour before he calls it &... Sincere performer who always put on a good show, he said me as an honest, performer. 78 and oh yeah, the pitchers were required to throw underhand with is... 'S team was a showman pitching from second base fastest documented pitch ever by.