Why You've Never Heard of the Best Athlete Ever

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How Eddie Feigner became to best softball pitcher with the fastest fastball in the world.

[@mikefriedman593]

Eddie came to my town in the late 80's. He was definitely in his 60's by then. I have a physical disability and he slowed the ball down enough to let me hit it, but we still had no baserunners. I was fortunate enough to spend over an hour with Eddie after the game talking about softball and life and I truly admire him. Gary West, one of his teammates, presented me with his jersey that night. I still have it.

[@beatndagutta]

He also came to mine at a place called Fraser Field in Lynn Massachusetts and I think it was 1992 and I got all of them on the team at the time to sign the book that I bought for two bucks.. it was incredible watching them play

[@mikefriedman593]

@@beatndagutta for sure

[@echochambers8418]

@@beatndaguttaLynn Lynn,city of sin you never go out the way you went in.

[@GiraffeNeckMarc]

I’m so glad someone finally made a video about Eddie Feigner. Dude was a legend. Killer video

[@nategrandusky172]

Ayy😀!!

[@nicktucker1477]

Was able to see them play when I was a kid. Was extremely impressed. Didn't really know the back story or how legendary he was at the time.

[@doncruzen6246]

Saw him pitch when I was 14. Pretty amazing.

[@johncarlin6709]

This guy was absolutely amazing...at times I thought what he was doing wasn't possible ....but damn...11k games?!?

[@brainhakker7133]

@Cock Head Yeah like "Ace and his Diamonds " or something very close to that .... and Peggy was all fired up and wanted to win. I love Dag-Ole Hank :-)

[@ronaldrussell5481]

I got to play against The King and his Court in late 60's in Indianapolis. Was on a JC's softball team that scheduled a game against them and it was awesome! We got one hit, a late swing triple down the line, but didn't score (surprise, surprise!). Eddie could really bring the heat and his ball moved all over the place. He struck me out pitching blind folded from 2nd base! I was our catcher and after the game Eddie asked if I wanted to catch a couple of pitches, yes of course! He told me not to move my glove, which was good advice, he threw me a fast ball that I didn't even see, just ended up in my mit, then a curve that I swear broke at least two feet, if I would have moved my glove to go where I thought that pitch was going it would have hit me in the chest as it broke right back in and in my mit. What a great experience it was to play against his team.

[@dukstedi]

this is a great story! thx for sharing

[@inconnu4961]

@@dukstedi This WAS a great story! i could not imagine anyone throwing THAT fast!

[@ORIGINALDaveB]

Nice. Not many people brushed elbows with a legend.

[@beatndagutta]

They came to Fraser Field in Lynn Massachusetts, and I got all four of the guys in king in his court to autograph the booklet that they gave out. I have it somewhere I haven’t thought about about that guy in a long time this was in 1992 I think

[@MichaelJohnson-pk5sq]

My dad was an excellent pitcher in softball and fastball. He told me stories about Mr Feigner and the King and his Court. But this is the first time I saw him. Thank you! Nothing better than great athletic ability and humor combined!

[@jws3925]

I had the privilege of batting against him in Williamsport, Pa in the early 1970's. I was still a teenager and already a pretty decent fast pitch softball player. I was chosen to be a participant by the other players in the league. I was so excited and confident I could hit him. He made me look like a fool! I only got to bat once because there were several other "all star" players that also wanted a try at it. None of them succeeded. Another "win" for the King and an experience I will never forget.

[@timmay1756]

I was at that game as a kid with my dad and brother we walked off the field with him at the end of the game my dad and him knew each other from the Marine Corp got to meet the whole team it was great

[@gotnokush]

Awesome story man. Hope all is well with you. I’d like to see men’s fast pitch make a comeback.

[@HokiePitcher22]

That's actually really cool.

[@bmo14lax]

That's a great memory. Awesome

[@GetToughOrDie]

Awesome buddy!...I'm a bit East from you in the WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON AREA. Which MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT "BABE RUTH" HIT HIS FURTHEST HOME RUN IN ARTILLERY PARK, IN KINGSTON PA. Which is right along the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County.

[@Blakey974]

Thanks for posting this...and friend just sent me the link. I actually played w TKHC for a few years, my wife and I lived with and took care of Eddie for awhile up until he passed. It was definitely the experience of a lifetime and was easily twice as crazy as what you actually show...the stories that could be told could make a series alone! Ha! Thanks again for educating the younger generation and those who have no clue who Eddie was! Happy New Year.

[@billysyms5761]

I did a job a few years ago for a guy "Rich Hoppe", turned out he pitched for the King and his Court. Very cool guy, had some great stories. Think the Phillies gave him a look as a pitcher, throwing underhand!

[@youbluethatone1017]

I played First Base for Eddie for 5 years back in the 80s… it was crazy on the road and one time we were sharing a motel room in Atlanta when some crazy Crackhead lady wearing nothing but a pair of panties came barging in our room at 3am scream about her missing purse was in our bathroom.. After we finally got her out Eddie and I argued for like 30 min over who forgot to lock the door until he finally stormed out and slept in the van. I still know he was the one who opened the door for our delivery food the night before and forgot to lock afterwards..

[@CSDonohue11]

Nice! 👍🏿 Idk how I hadn’t ever heard or Eddie. He should be a well known HOF

[@CSDonohue11]

@@youbluethatone1017 🤣

[@ronaldknisley9792]

May God bless you and all of yours always amen for taking care of such a wonderful human being

[@joshhoward1289]

I saw The King in central PA around 1983 when I was about 12 years old. He was simply amazing even then. Most of what I recall was him talking and putting on a pitching demonstration and telling stories. He was still an incredible athlete and a great showman. We were in awe. What an honor to see him throw. Thank you for this videos, great memories!

[@petegregory517]

Think I saw him twice? at Henninger Field in Chambersburg in the ‘70’s.

[@stevenglowacki8576]

I remember my high school coach telling me about this guy in the late 90s. I didn't look into it then mainly because it sounded unbelievable, but basically all of what he told us was covered in this video.

[@RRRenegade5]

It's fun when someone you know well gives you information on the goods. And you go "yeah' yeah, sounds cool"

[@Garf_malarf]

He should be a legend in mlb the show

[@ethanwong4362]

@yossarian 1,000 windup combinations apparently too

[@CSDonohue11]

That’s Be Dope AF Especially if He’s still alive and can’t some cheddar for His character.

[@revreynolds]

Agreed!

[@silentrift63]

He should be a legend in mvp baseball 05. The greatest baseball game of all time.

[@Joe_Goose]

Imagine a underhand 104 mph fastball cheese lmaoo

[@tillitsdone]

Wow, that's right, goes way back. I saw them when I was a kid (I'm 54 now), but the 4 of them beat a local all star team of ten players; and these guys were good, serious ball players who were trying to win. Feigner struck out the last 12 batters of the game, then played later that night in the next town. I think his SS was also his son, IIRC.

[@rslwannabe9475]

They havent heard of me yet cause i haven't made it anywhere yet

[@timlash]

I'm a year older and saw them in the early 80s in Parma OH outside Cleveland. Truly amazing. Thanks for the great video.

[@10scoach33]

I’m same age, saw him in early 80s I was about 10-11, played an all star team made up of the best players in like 4 different area leagues, most of them former college standouts, his 4 man team won 15-1 in 6 innings…. He prob had about 15 strikeouts, gave up 1 or 2 hits and even struck a guy out from 2nd base…..he was incredible

[@tim6167]

Lol. I’m 54 too and remember seeing them when I was 5. Barely remember. My dad doesn’t remember. But I remember he had the trick where he fake pitched it and banged something hard in his back pocket to make it sound like the ball had come back to Him in a split second. And I do remember the behind the back Pitch too. I was only 5 but I remember

[@stevenw7623]

Eddie Jr. played SS with his dad for a while.

[@jamestaylor5231]

Eddie was a friend of mine , I was one of the Best Pitchers in the country,Pitched with the 49 er clippers, Pg county Md.Had my own Class A Fastpitch ball team, I pitched in a charity game in Fairfax va.for exhibition with Eddie. I could control 100 mph raiseball or I could float one by you. I wrote Eddie one time and we met. I pitched over 2000 ball games .

[@larryjohnson2441]

Yea, Sure Buddy

[@driftadvocate1839]

Fastpitch Softball and travel teams used to be huge in the 70s and 80s. My uncle played on a travel team in which he was one of the best players around. Rumors have it, he hit over 600 home runs in his time with the local travel club and it was all very competitive. Kings of the Court came around for their game with the community all star team and my uncle was one of the only players to ever hit a home run of this guy.

[@terrytitus6945]

If you stuck out your bat fast enough,it would be gone!

[@MichaelSmith-oh3ez]

I'm 75 years old and played fastpitch softball from the age of 18 to 38. I played in the top league of my city for ten years. As a pitcher on a fastpitch all star team in the late 70's, our team was the last in Portland, Oregon to beat Feigner's King and His Court. He returned to the area for several more years, but played in surrounding towns. We viewed him as an important figure in the game, which he spent his life promoting. Sadly, he never received the accolades he deserved. Like many who've watched this feature, I question some of the achievements, but he was (and always will be in my mind), one of the greatest ball players (of any ball sport) to have ever lived. To do what he did for as long as he did was a borderline miracle. I could do a lot of the things he could do (pitching from 2nd base, blindfolded, behind my back, but not with the speed and ball movement he possessed. His rise ball jumped a foot and his drop ball moved at least 18 inches. Try swinging at that when it's coming at you from 46-1/2 feet at 80 mph, let alone how fast he threw it (which was considerably greater than 80). A great sportsman!

[@brianhinnant9735]

no it wasn's

[@benningsniper9516]

@@brianhinnant9735 which part "wasn's"?

[@youbetyababy]

Thanks for sharing that info. The whole thing seems so improbable that one just scratches his head, your contribution adds a lot.

[@timelliott4117]

I played him as well. I think his right arm was twice the size of the left. When I played fast pitch the teams with great pitchers won, and there wasn't enough of them to even things out. I loved fast pitch I was a ok hitter as it was hard to adjust from baseball. I did learn to see the ball when its at the pitchers hip. At that split second I had to decide swing or not. I miss it. I'm proud to say that I never went down looking

[@donkeykong315]

)

[@georgejameson9317]

I saw the King and his Court a couple of times. Men’s fast pitch was a thing a big thing in the 50’s and 60’s. They played all the all start teams and I never saw them lose. This wasn’t the Washington generals but the best players in the area. He was great but the other 3 guys covered the whole field. The catcher could beat the hitters to first on a ground ball to the right side when Eddie pitched from second. The infielders played a real deep short and second, and could run down flyballs to the fence. They always packed the places they played. He had some great athletes on his teams. When he pitched from the mound not many got the bat on the ball. But if they got a little lead he would go back to second. It was an interesting show and provided some great memories for those people.

[@mikecushing7276]

Fabulous post thank you

[@terryarmbruster9719]

Saw him multiple times. He was still an very high level attraction in mid level cities down to local towns.

[@steveharvey2102]

Thanks for sharing. Do you know of any movies/documentaries or books, that tell his life story? I would love to hear more! Please let me know when you get the chance. Cheers from Canada

[@markholle3450]

I remember seeing him at Cobb Field in Billings Montana in the 70's. I was in awe. When you would look at who THKC played, you couldn't believe that they would win. And usually the did. Proud to say that I saw him pitch.

[@gbas76]

This is incredible. I almost cried listening to this. How can a human being do what this man did. Get out and do something folks. We'll never accomplish what this man did, but we should do something, shouldn't we?

[@007Hutchings]

So how is this going for you 8 months later? Have you ‘got out’ and ‘done something?’

[@kittyhawk-ud3id]

@@007Hutchings let's go do acid

[@eddienash2095]

​@007Hutchings I was going to but when I walked through the door my ADHD kicked in and I forgot what I was doing.

[@CoolBreezyo]

@@007Hutchings😂

[@russs7574]

I've definitely heard of Eddie Feigner. My Dad used to take me to see The King and His Court every summer when I was growing up. They would play an exhibition in our small town just outside of Pittsburgh against an all-start team chosen the local softball leagues. The man would strike out batters while pitching from second base...on his knees...blindfolded.

[@driftadvocate1839]

Im from the area, what small town by chance? They would come to franklin and oil city to play as well

[@BOBOMulleinWolf]

My family went to see them play around 1975 (I'm not exactly sure of the year or place) We lived in Westmoreland County Pa i was about 10 years old Absolutely incredible!

[@joeterp5615]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@BOBOMulleinWolf I saw him in the mid 70s at Johnstown’s Point Stadium. He put on a great show! We are about the same age. We might have seen him on the same tour!

[@dustykatt]

I got to play against them in the late 80's, I was a hotshot, big hitting right fielder in my league and thought I'd have a chance. The catcher asked me to wiff hard on the first pitch then they would give me a solid fastball to hit. Swear to god I barely saw it, panic swung and fouled it off. I knew at that point I was toast. Sure enough here came the behind the back riser and I got sat down in 3 pitches. Best night of my life playing softball.

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

Hah thats epic man! So you went 0-1 against him... never faced him again that night?

[@dustykatt]

@@thunderbugcreative7778 We had an all star team to play them so we all got one at bat and a couple innings in the field.

[@dwsherm1]

You can say you did just as well as what some hall of fame players did against him.

[@altarant]

Damn u fell off, u a brony now? Lol

[@j.j.kucala9835]

No doubt that Eddie is and always will be one of the greatest ballplayers of all time. The resilience and tenacity to overcome a very difficult childhood and the perseverance that he showed is inspiring to say the least. Didn't make very much money but the things that he experienced are worth all the tea in China.

[@naporeon]

Wow. Thanks for making this video. The King and His Court came to my small hometown when I was young, and played an exhibition two blocks from my childhood home. Eddie was in his 60s by then, but obviously was still an unbelievable pitcher. It's an incredibly fond memory from my childhood. This video made my day.

[@nice-meme]

I cant believe id never heard of this guy, what a legend

[@FirstnameLastname-mc8wo]

Thank you for making this video! I first heard of feigner from my grandfather, who played against the king and his court ( when Feigner was in his prime). My grandfather told me a story that Feigner intentionally walked him. When he got to first base, the first baseman told him to get a really big lead, so he did. Feigner then picked off my grandfather at first base with a behind-the-back throw that was so fast he couldn't react and was left standing there when the first baseman tagged him. Anyways thanks for making the video! Loved it!

[@baseball_and_potter_addict6504]

That's really cool

[@martinleroux1595]

There was a barnstorming softball team in Quebec in the 70's and 80's like this, called "les 4 chevaliers O'Keefe". Same deal, crazy pitcher, psyching people out at the plate, batting with wrenches, ect. That was a lot of fun.

[@kickinthatass]

Saw Eddie play back in the late 80’s down in the Texas Panhandle. Was awesome to see. They took down the local all star team and only allowed one run. I still have the booklet they were selling showing the history of The King and His Court.

[@strainboy123]

It’s a good mind read, following your dreams doesn’t always pay out. He just loved playing softball and you can tell it was his biggest passion in life, taking odd jobs just to keep afloat. Nobody could travel and live the way he did and put that type of product on the field, he truly was a king, RIP.

[@fromulus]

Just seeing how effortless 100+mph is for him, softball chose him apparently.

[@CSDonohue11]

@yossarian Would be like 7 on Offense 7 Vs 11 and Brady nor Mahomes nor anyone else could even have a chance.

[@JoeBloww762]

His story needs to be made into a movie. This screams road trip comedy.

[@CSDonohue11]

Good call. This could be hilarious with some heartfelt messages built in. Could be a good 1 with the right writers

[@nitedreamer23]

@yossarian perfect!

[@CSDonohue11]

@yossarian Well, you’re the best @ crying and No 1 cares

[@sgwood24]

HBO Series staring Danny McBride!!!

[@ballah1937]

@yossarian “Played in front of 20 million people”. Over the course of a career, yes, but that sounds like a lot of people cared. That’s more of an audience than 99.99% of people can claim. You’re comparing him to Nolan Ryan, Mike Trout etc, when you shouldn’t be. An insane story and an insane life, definitely movie worthy.

[@garthfriedberg5666]

Saw him pitch August '82 on L.I. He was striking guys out from 2nd base. Truly great. Never forgot it.

[@cirtapnageem5329]

Eddie was a friend of my Father's. I met him many times and watched them practice and play. What an AMAZING team and individual.

[@ianayers1735]

He was a friend of my grandfather, always thought the stories were exaggerated. Crazy to see him on here i did not know half of this stuff

[@justsomeguygaming9271]

My neighbor through my childhood was a member of the King and his Court, Jack Knight, joined in the early 80’s, that van was in his driveway my entire life, I’ve been in it several times. I hope I can show this to him somehow, I had never understood exactly what is was he did, but I watched him throw some insane trick pitches just like this. He threw out the first pitch at my little league and said he would be nothing without Eddie. I never knew what he was talking about until now. Wow

[@CSDonohue11]

Nice! 👍🏿

[@Nesto38]

Did you recognize him in the footage shown in this video?

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

Wow thats amazing. It's so interesting how moments in life sometimes make a full circle, and we are left realizing all the cool stuff we took for granted when we were youngn's. Cheers!

[@Myrealnameisjames]

Wow that’s insane!

[@MaachoMaan]

Jack Knight! Yeah! He used to have small parts on the earlier "Cheers" episodes! They used to say "Goodnight Jack Knight" 'cause the guy would get "roped" pitching even at the ASA level....

[@sailorjerry3720]

Incredible tribute! Thank you so much for bringing Eddie's life and accomplishments to our attention!

[@victordavenport2626]

Saw him pitch many times on USAF bases that I grew up on. Struck out all-star Air Force Base All-Star teams from behind his back, from second base, blindfolded, guy was AMAZING!!!

[@johng3669]

Saw The King and his Court as a kid in the late 70’s early 80’s at my local ballpark. Insanely talented. Blindfolded, through the legs, from second base. Saw all of it. And he told jokes and stories while doing it.

[@tdb4763]

sounds like the Harlem globe trotters. but better.

[@cjclaeys4368]

yup, my pop played on an egg farm sponsored team, "pro" softball and baseball and they faced the king, got struck out from 2nd base - he also faced satchel paige somewhere in Louisiana when he was in his 50's, lol, different world now

[@bnglyt]

Same, my pop played his team and he hit a foul ball. Only contact of the game

[@wmtarrant573]

I played against him twice in the 60s and 70s. He was fantastic!

[@stemogstel22]

Eddie Feigner and Dick Trickle are birds of a feather. Trickle won at least 1,200 short track features, but is only remembered primarily for his name. He did make over 300 career starts in NASCAR Winston Cup during his career, but he was past his peak in sub-par equipment. RIP gentlemen.

[@catsclaw6648]

I remember seeing this guy back in 1979. He was at our junior high school baseball field. He was incredible. I'm glad I got the chance to see him pitch.

[@bobobingus3155]

Title is a little confusing cause I definitely heard of Bartolo Colon

[@mmsm6370]

si

[@brandoncollins3617]

🤣

[@djtoman6875]

Legendary comment

[@axe2grind244]

Bartolo Colon is the greatest homerun hitter of all time.

[@shaun374]

I've heard of him because my dad played him one time. He was an absolute legend if you were a baseball person back in the day and had transitioned into softball. Told me stories about how futile their attempts were to try to put a bat on the ball. He said it was one of the greatest privileges of his life to be struck out by The King.

[@bamaphoenix9873]

This man was such a blessing. I am so glad I was able to see and meet him several times when I was a kid in the 70's and 80's. If anyone should ever have a full length documentary IN THEATER movie, it's him. I don't think he or his teammates were ever in a hurry to leave after their games. He would stay til every hand was shook and all autographs were signed. Maybe he knew there was others out there that had rough times like him .... and he was going to do anything he could to allow everyone, at least for a lil while, to laugh and feel like they mattered. Thanks Mr. Eddie Feigner, you are missed. R.I.P. I kinda have to believe there will be softball in heaven. 🙏✌😎👍⚾

[@juliochavez7161]

I was lucky enough to see Eddie in my youth. Watched him play our town champions at the time. They never had a chance. Fond memories of when I used to play. I'll be 74 this February.

[@adriancoes1357]

I also got the pleasure of seeing him once in the early 80's. When my Dad told us that it was a 4-man team we were about to watch, we laughed thinking they would get slaughtered! They won 10-1 and amazed the packed crowd at a minor league ball park. Truly amazing guy and team!

[@henrymp6295]

I met Eddie in Taegu South Korea where he did a tour sponsored by the USO. I was a slow pitch umpire and umpired the game, which was my first fast pitch game to ever umpire. I had extensive experience calling baseball, which is why the Official's Association selected me. The Army team was made up of local all stars, but none could throw fast pitch. I offered to take off the umpire uniform and throw since I could pitch fast-pitch, but Eddie offered they would play a hybrid fast and slow pitch game. I am so glad because I could flip around 75-80 MPH and the first pitch Eddie threw was the fastest white streak I had ever seen. Most of the game was a show and the catcher told me when they would use prop balls for a pitch. I.E. a ball on a bungie that stopped around five feet from the batter and return to the pitcher's glove. Another was a ball soaked halfway in oil to make one side much heavier and when thrown it seemingly defied physics. That same catcher who advised me what shenanigans would happen hit a ball over the barracks in center field on Camp Walker that flew further than the longest blast I ever witnessed. This was in 2000 and Eddie was up there in age. He pitched three innings and then exchanged places with the first basemen. The first baseman threw at speeds that made the batter crap their pants. He was close to 6'8" and his stride would have been illegal in any form of the game, but it was a show. His stuff looked faster, but his stride had him leaping four to eight feet off the mound before release. Save it to say the score was 12-0 in favor of King and His Court, and a no hitter. I remember after the game Eddie mingled with fans and signed anything a fan offered. In concert with this video, they loaded up to head to Busan for an early evening game. I was stunned to learn of his past in this video. Eddie you were a great pitcher and showman. RIP.. You left me with one of the most memorable games I officiated.

[@brianeveringham8175]

Saw Eddie and his court back in 1974 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. They played the Richmond Hill Dynes, who at the time were the current world champs. Eddies team lost 3-2 that night but it was the only time that they had lost in Canada to that point in time. Wish that I still had the program from that game, it was autographed by him & all his court, which also included his son I believe. He was an amazing pitcher. I consider myself very fortunate to have witnessed him.

[@fintanoclery2698]

That's a great memory, I miss Exhibition Stadium.

[@evilmangda]

He was my friend's uncle when I was in grade school. Saw him pitch in person many times in the early 70's. He was unbelievable.

[@russellfinch5493]

Saw the King twice. Fast pitch was the top dog in the 50's and 60's. Slow pitch was for those that could not play. He was no joke. My hometown all stars ended up tieing him in one game 1-1. Someone on the team managed to hit the ball over second with one on. It was an easy score since the short stop had to run the all down. So basically, if you managed to make contact, you had a chance to win. Second time was about 20 years later. About 5000 came out to see him again play a group of all stars. He was simply amazing. You heard about all the stuff he could do but until you actually saw him do it, you really could not believe all the stories. I mean, really how do you strike someone out pitching from second base, blindfolded? I saw it and I was in my 20's so it was not some pipe dreaming little kid. He threw the ball so fast that too was unbelievable. A true legend. His records are Paul Bunyan-esk in nature. Hard to believe but I still have the program from that game in the late 70's. I will have to dig it out. His story does need to be told. Yes, they did have fun and messed around, but all these guys could really play too.

[@sirslice]

I've seen him perform multiple times and bated against him (he took it VERY easy). What a talent and showman His son was also no slouch on the mound.

[@rogertroja4400]

I remember watching these guys on TV when I was young (68 now) and I really loved seeing them. I think they were even on the Wild World of Sports more than once. I was amazed then and still am. As soon as the saw the word 'King' on the screen I knew who they were. Great memories. Thanks for the video.

[@fromulus]

Ah I remember seeing this guy on tv growing up, in the 1980s. What an incredible life this guy led…imagine the stories he had.

[@UncleWheatie]

The fact this man has such good content is insane

[@mitchelllion6052]

Never a bad video from him, I’m not even a big fan of baseball, don’t watch any games, don’t keep up with any teams or numbers, but I watch every time there’s a new video from baseball doesn’t exist

[@trippleHelixV2]

I feel the same exact way as you two! I used to watch baseball… haven’t for 10years but I watch all your videos…. Great job and god bless!

[@johnstair3555]

Definitely top notch work

[@slapshot6ful]

Frankly, other content doesn't exist.

[@exploretopher]

Is there an equivalent for other sports like football or basketball or hockey?

[@ScottRossProductions]

I saw the King once. What a show. Either in Columbus or Springfield, Ohio. Fastpitch softball was huge in Ohio in the 70s. A three-stop light town, West Liberty, Ohio, hosted the national fast pitch tournament in 71, if I remember correctly, and I think the local team, the Ohio Caverns Cavemen won the tournament. I know they were National Champs in the early 70s. Watched them all the time. Loved fastpitch.

[@Deltaaaaaaaaa]

What a legend. I didn’t know of him, but jesus is his story inspirational. What an absolute badass

[@floydmccutcheon4353]

Saw "The King and his Court" twice. They played the best players from the North American Aircraft Company (becoming Rockwell later) teams at North American Park. The company had leagues that played 5 nights a week. Saturdays were for "The North American baseball school" in the morning, Little League in the afternoon. Sundays were the company baseball team playing other companies. Great time to grow up in SoCal!

[@raybaker7848]

A legendary player worthy of more attention than he received. Talented athlete and entertainer. A great promoter that earned his title "King" the hard way. I saw him 3 times and cant even imagine how dominant he was in his prime. Thanks for creating this story. It deserves to be shared.

[@DW-nb2zc]

Read about this guy as a kid from a sports anthology,had forgotten all about it until now.Thanks for posting.The man is a legend and should get recognition from MLB

[@aaronaaron4155]

Great video. When I was a child my dad took me and my brother to watch him play a game in our hometown. He struck out several (local allstars) from second base, blindfolded. It was amazing to see!

[@buddhavb3616]

Played against The King and His Court in the mid-80's. Such a great experience and one I'll never forget. Thanks for the memories King.

[@Brian-zo1ll]

My dad took me to see them a couple of times when I was a kid back in the 80s. To this day my dad and I still talk about the stuff we saw them do. Those who never got a chance to watch them, really missed something great.

[@dirtbikeheaven1129]

I had forgotten about this guy and his three teammates. I saw them play in Columbus, Ga in the late 60’s or very early 70’s. I do remember they lost to a local team but it was exciting to see them play.

[@cooltheengines]

I saw Eddie (the king and his court) when I was a kid in ‘78 or “79 in Dubuque Iowa. I remember he was absolutely awesome and I was just in awe!!! RIP Eddie, thanks for the memorable night of softball in our town!!

[@Thedeanoeverton]

I literally just watched the King of the hill episode parodying him ("The ace and his diamonds") last night. Had no idea there was a real life version wow

[@freeparking301]

That was the first image that came to mind when I saw the thumbnail. Like I knew that episode had to be inspired by some true story but didn’t know the details until I watched the video.

[@lougiacobbi725]

My father pitched against Eddie twice. Funny story, Eddie and some of those guys would invite the opposing team with them at a bar the night before the game. The guys on the local fast pitch team were joking about who could hit Eddie, and were teasing my dad, who mainly pitched but wasn't a great hitter that he would look silly against Eddie. Eddie and my dad were drinking beer and talking later that night, and Eddie told him "i'll throw the first bell straight down the middle. You hit it". I think he did get the hit, but I don't actually remember outside the story.

[@johnkidd1226]

He sometimes let guys get on base just to show his behind the back pickoff throw to first.

[@enkilqc]

Wow. Unbelievable, im sad that i had never heard of him, but now i sure do, what a legend!

[@tooslow8150]

Haven't thought about him in years. I saw them once as a kid and totally remember him pitching from 2nd base. Cool memory.

[@mattbeneV]

I first heard about him in a book Strange but True Sports stories. He is truly the King of Softball. Sad to hear that his overall life story was not so glamorous. He was definitely driven. I hope people will remember him.

[@jamisonwhitt5343]

my great grandpa played this guy. He was crushed. My grandpa was just a kid and he went to the game and he tells me the story a lot. It was in Lakeland Florida.

[@CamiPlays-qf4dp]

My dad played him insane man

[@LawrenceofCanadia]

First time Ive ever seen my home town mentioned in the wild.

[@30Bruins]

My grandfather played against them in the 80s. All of this is true according to him. He had 2 at bats, one of which was a staged walk and pickoff attempt to get the crowd up. He played in Waterville, Maine. Truly an amazing athlete.

[@davemitchell116]

Not only have I heard of him, I saw him pitch when I was a kid when he came to our town. He was unbelievable!

[@TheOdis45]

I played against them. I believe it was 1989/1990. It was at the Hammond FOP Hammond, Indiana I was in college then and it was nothing I've ever seen before. I played college baseball and he made me look like a fool. It was the craziest and unreal thing I've ever been apart of. We still,to this day, talk about it.

[@blackhawks81H]

Ah good old Hammond.. One place where even a guy with Eddie's personality would just be a "normal dude" lol. Despite existing in the shadow of Chicago.. Hammond, as a city has always had a TON of character and personality for it's size.

[@TheOdis45]

@@blackhawks81H a lot has change since then as things do. I drive through my little town Hessville where I grew up going to work. Brings back a ton of memories.

[@blackhawks81H]

@@TheOdis45 I know the feeling. I grew up just over the state line in Hegewisch. Spent a lot of time in Hammond over the years. I still have fond memories of everything from birthday parties at the roller dome on Gostlin in North Hammond as a little kid. To later shooting League at Deb's over by Hessville as I got older. Chicago was always too expensive, or too many rules. So we had to come over to Indiana to have any fun.

[@TheOdis45]

@@blackhawks81H I played college baseball with Joe Rodish and Mike Pippin if those names ring a bell. Debs recently just closed I believe. The roller dome!? Man, are you name dropping some excellent places to hang out.

[@blackhawks81H]

@@TheOdis45 Yeah those names sound familiar. Despite being from Hegewisch, My cousin was a minor region celeb back in the day, but for Basketball. He became a full blown Indiana guy for life when he went to go play at IU for Bobby Knight. He'd be right around your age though if you were in college in 89.. Eric Anderson, I don't know if you knew him at all but he always seemed to know everyone from NWI back in the day. As the older cousin he used to take me fishing in Hammond over at Wolf Lake when I was a kid.

[@DMDvideo10]

I had the pleasure of playing against Eddie and his 4-man team. I walked, then got picked off... It was a great show!

[@rogerhickson7256]

I saw this guy pitch a few times in the 70's with the globetrotters. My Dad was a Fastball umpire so I watched a lot of really great Fastball pitchers. None held a candle to this guy. He was known for his flat crew cut almost as much as his ability to strike out the side, sometimes while blindfolded. Ha! He was an entertaining character who relished the spotlight from what I remember as a teen.

[@carlnoble1491]

Had the pleasure of seeing Eddie when I was a young boy many years ago. What a great pitcher and a class gentleman. Thank you Eddie for the memories, may you R.I.P.!!

[@jbm4184]

I started to tell my dad about him and once I said he played on a team with 4 players he said “wait a minute, is that the King and his Court? I used to go watch them play all the time when I was little.” It was really cool because he hadn’t thought about them in years and never knew his name

[@bartonallenlewis6012]

out of all the things in this video I never thought I'd hear, "played saxophone at funerals" might be the most random. Great video! Never heard of Eddie Feigner before now I'm fascinated with his story

[@darrellm4268]

Awesome! I saw Eddie Fiegner and the King and His Court while I was in High School it was crazy how fast that softball was coming in to home plate.

[@alpachinco5155]

Great vid! I was fortunate to see the King and his Court several times when I was a kid in Vancouver, B.C. Him & his team are a big part of my love of baseball.

[@ems6706]

I'll never forget Eddie Feigner now. The level of sacrifice he had to give to do what he loved is beautiful, and he deserves to be remembered.

[@Less1leg2]

I met him, shook his hand, and enjoyed his game. You had to marvel his fluid pitching. Incredible. RIP Eddy.

[@oledahammer8393]

I saw these guys when I was a kid, they were amazing. Eddie should be in the baseball hall of fame.

[@normanbowers5669]

Thank you for putting this video together. I was just remembering last week watching The King and His Court on TV with my dad when I was a little kid.

[@mg5347]

You can't just say something like 'he played saxophone at funerals' like it's a normal thing

[@timothyjones5959]

I got to meet him and see him play when I was a teenager in Manchester, Missouri. He was dazzling to watch. An absolute crowdpleaser.

[@ktbeatty]

Great video! Thanks for pointing out in the intro that he threw that fastest pitch while he was alive. 😉 He suffered from depression, so it makes sense, but talk about a "glass half full" mentality. He thought of his life as wasted because he was the best at something, but thought no one cared. In reality he turned a talent at something that is largely, for men anyway, an excuse to drink beer with the boys on weekends, into a lifetime career. He was famous and beloved. As a boy in the 80s, only interested in the pros, I knew who he was because of SI and early ESPN (they showed anything that even remotely resembled a sport then). You could put a gun to my head, and I couldn't name another male softball player, but I knew Eddie. Pretty damn remarkable what he accomplished with a gift that otherwise had no value.

[@RetroBaseball]

The thing is, he doesn’t even exist because just like baseball, softball doesn’t exist either.

[@arnavmehra2203]

Wow

[@XxMrRoachxX]

If I wouldn't be too lazy, untalented in this field and didn't had a great paying job already. I would consider creating a KZbin channel with a name such as this and post Softball content such as this :D But we better leave this to the pros. :) Happy New Year! 2022!!!

[@aarond23]

Men's softball in the US is getting to legit 'does not exist' status

[@CSDonohue11]

I Love Softball. It’s definitely dying though. Old Beer Leagues are what it’s all about 🍺 🍻

[@travisprugh6347]

@@aarond23 it is bleeding slowly. when i first started in 2004 you actually had to qualify for state and nationals. on of my first years at state we had 56 teams in D. now they have an east and west state and there might be 10 on each side. and you might see 30 teams at nationals. now days you can just pay and go. one year we went 1-2 at state but knowing we could do better went to nationals and got 11th of 38 🤷 out league teams are growing but no one wants to travel for expensive tourneys anymore. A lot of it has to do with teams sandbagging for a few years before they get bumped then they break up and all get reclassified and play on other teams.

[@3RDMILLENNIUMCHESS]

Before you move forward you have to know what you left behind. He was a man's man, and you can't even begin to find anyone comparable, that is a testament to the man and his life.

[@jaymenne8373]

When the King and his court came anywhere close to our area the family would always catch their show. Always a good time, incredible display of talent 👏 Thanks Eddie 😊 ⚾️

[@mreddieotis]

I saw Eddie pitch in the sixties as a young man. The fellow was unhittable,very personable and dominated all the batters he faced.Nice to see someone write about Eddie...

[@zorddalord5807]

My Grandfathers team beat him one day. They had George Shuba on the team (the first man to shake Jackie Robinsons hand in the MLB) and they were from Youngstown Ohio.

[@SuperNuclearUnicorn]

Gotta say, being the first guy to shake Jackie's hand when he broke the colour barrier is a pretty cool story to pull out for the grandkids

[@zorddalord5807]

@@SuperNuclearUnicorn oh absolutely I think it’s so cool that my grandfather got to play with that man and they put a statue of Shotgun Shuba shaking Jackie’s hand in my hometown it’s pretty amazing

[@ronaldwhitman1377]

It's sad he had to see sports become diluted that day

[@removedot]

@@ronaldwhitman1377 wow seek help. Diluted because it showed white guys weren't all better?

[@shortsthatdontsuck2174]

@Cock Head I love some offensive humor, but that clearly wasn't a joke, most important part of a joke is to be funny, in what way was that funny or show even an attempt at humor?

[@Baci302]

I remember the All-Star celebrity softball game that Feigner pitched. And that one fake out to Mays! Amazing. I've never seen anything like it since.

[@lbhunter6341]

I saw him play the world champion softball team on which people I knew played. This guy tanked them all, he was amazing! His fastball was hard to even see let alone hit. Nice to see him receiving this recognition

[@petegregory517]

A guy in my hometown told us after the game that he saw him wind up and it seemed the ball hit the catchers mitt before he even let it go. He was laughing his rear off telling it.

[@TheCryogenetic]

He is very well known north of the border. Next to my city's baseball stadium we have a softball stadium named King's stadium after him because of all the exhibitions he did.

[@grantkruse1812]

I saw K&HC in Edmonton in the 1960s...We had the Alberta Senior men's champs reinforced with some all stars...We lost, it was an awesome experience.

[@cwj9202]

Many years ago when I first heard of his allegeded 114 mph pitch, I researched the issue. He threw 87 mph out of his hand during a test at a college in Canada, which was the equivalent of a 114 mph pitch from an overhand thrower from a distance of 60'6". IF memory serves me correctly, Eddie's pitch took .32 seconds from release to the plate, a distance of 43', and this served as the basis for the legend of his 114 mph pitch, a MLB pitch that would arrive at the strike zone in .32 seconds. Don't get me wrong, he possessed serious tools, but those video strikeouts of MLB players were achieved with illegal pitches. How in the heck could one time them properly!

[@richardtherichard26]

That doesn’t make it illegal? That’s like saying Nolan Ryan was throwing illegal pitches bc he was throwing harder than anyone else at the time. Or babe Ruth was cheating bc he was hitting the ball farther than anyone at the time. It’s not “cheating”, it’s referred to as “being better”.

[@cwj9202]

@@richardtherichard26 -- Your analogy is wrong. I forgot to add that he wasn't banned because he was too good, but because ASA deemed his varous deliveries illegal. If he would have employed the standard recognized softball pitching style, he could have remained competing in regular tournaments. But heck, he was quite the entrepreneur and realized he could earn more money being a showman.

[@chl2161]

@@cwj9202 Not taking his legacy or prowess away. I also thought the amount of deliveries was too overwhelming, specially for softball. And I highly doubt he never took a tryout for Baseball that time. But with the difference in pitching, stance, distance, location, delivery, etc., he would just be another pitcher, not the fabled king!

[@cwj9202]

@@chl2161 - I couldn't locate any sources concerning a MLB tryout, but like you say, doesn't mean he didn't attend one. At his prime, I believe he was earning far more being a showman than he could have earned while on a MLB roster (and not the fabled king).

[@Benisuber1]

I honestly can't stand when publications will claim things like "114 mph equivalent!!" by simply scaling up the velocity based on the time to plate. When you do it in reverse it shows how ridiculous it is. Just double or triple the distance - an "equvalent" 85 mph fastball from 120 feet would be traveling 170 mph, or 255 mph from 180 feet. Would you really say it's and equivalent ball to try and hit, just because you have the same amount of time to react? Or halve the distance - is it equally as difficult to hit 50 mph from 30 feet as 100 mph from 60 feet? No. Obviously not. The 170 mph ball is only in the bat path for half the time, it's much much much harder to make contact with that ball. Not to take anything away from softall pitchers, the lower reaction time allows for a lot more gamesmanship for throwing changeups and offspeed to fool batters. But calling an 87 mph fastball "114 mph equivalent" is just wrong.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I saw him in person one time and he was a lot of fun. His show and the 4 guys with him were like watching the Globe trotters. He would stop in small towns as well as big cities. Great video.

[@ryanjung6120]

years ago I was talking to an old ball coach about Eddie. the guy played once against the king and his court. he said it was amazing, to bat against Eddie. the first pitch he looked at, and the catcher told him that's the last one you'll see. sure enough the next 1 came in so fast he had no clue. the 3rd he just threw the bat out and amazingly fouled it off. Coach was so proud to have fouled off a pitch from the king. then he struck out.

[@stevehaywood9870]

Got a hit off him in 1990. They filled a small stadium in Biloxi MS. A lifetime experience for me and what a show for the fans! Gone but never forgotten!

[@nunyabiz6918]

Dude. I have never watched a game of baseball in my life. This is one of my favorite channels. This video is why.

[@sergeantwarden471]

I remember him and his team. He should never be forgotten. I saw him strike out Willie Mays. Willie Mays !

[@MichaelSimmons.]

I saw the King and his Court, in the late sixties. He threw a one hitter, and won the game with four players. He was amazing.

[@zsheincustoms]

Honey, get up, it’s a BDE vid!

[@LandonChurch15]

Baseball really doesn't exist

[@Levy_2]

Ikr

[@joshespada029]

it’s like 5 pm. i hope y’all are up..

[@LandonChurch15]

@@joshespada029 Nah I'm sleeping

[@tombstonejones9581]

Baseball doesn't exist, and neither does your girlfriend.

[@staciemohler4624]

0:17 they really said you’re just to good