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About The King and His Queen
Eddie Feigner's story is, in short, the story of American Sports. He is the quintessential American athlete. His fame was built, not on hype, but on awestruck word of mouth. He wasn't some remote figure on television; he was in your hometown striking out your teachers, and would've been hero enough just for that.
– Keith Olbermann, NBC Sports
Eddie Feigner, a towering figure in the world of softball, carved out a legendary career from humble beginnings in Walla Walla, Washington.
In the spring of 1925, a baby boy was brought in a pink blanket to St. Mary's Catholic Hospital with a note pinned to it, simply stating, "This is a Protestant baby."
Feigner would be taken home from the hospital by Mrs. King, and raised in a family as Myrle Vernon King. He grew up entertaining himself by throwing his softball on the side of the barn and teaching himself techniques he saw older players use.
Young Eddie Feigner on a US Marine Team
Eddie would enlist in the US Marine Corps in the height of World War II, at which point he would discover the identity of his birth mother and take her last name, and the name Eddie from a friend.
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When Eddie returned from his enlistment, like many of his fellow servicemen, he found it difficult to find and maintain a steady job. However, he would find great success in pitching for local softball teams sponsored by businesses in the area, and would go to play on several teams in the Pacific Northwest.
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It would be on the basis of a dare that a cocky young Eddie Feigner would play against a rival team with only four players, himself included. The result of that game drew attention to Feigner and his three teammates that, unbeknownst to them, would mark a truly monumental moment in sports history, the birth of The King and His Court.
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Feigner, along with a rotating trio of teammates—a catcher, first baseman, and shortstop—embarked on an unparalleled journey, crossing over 4 million miles. Their performances spanned all 50 states and ventured into over 100 countries, captivating audiences totaling 200 million people.
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From unconventional settings like racetracks, stockyards, and rodeo grounds to unexpected locales such as cemeteries, pastures, a Norwegian offshore oil rig, and even the iconic Houston Astrodome, Feigner's team brought their unique brand of entertainment everywhere. Honoring his military background, Feigner often squared off against service members, frequently on Army bases and aboard aircraft carriers, and he donated much of his earnings to support veterans.
During a landmark celebrity charity softball game on February 18, 1967, Feigner etched his name in sports history. Facing a lineup that included Major League stars, he achieved the extraordinary feat of striking out baseball icons Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Maury Wills, and Harmon Killebrew consecutively. Notably, Feigner replicated his dominance years later by striking out Alan Chambers three times in a memorable 1976 exhibition match.
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Beyond his career as a softball player, Feigner was also a bowler and golf player, playing in over 300 PGA Celebrity Pro-Ams with the greatest athletes and entertainers of the day.
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After throwing the ceremonial pitch to his Queen at the age of 75 in the 2000 Sydney, Australia Olympics, Feigner suffered a stroke and would retire from pitching. However, Eddie would continue to tour with his team, acting as emcee and telling stories while the team played, and throwing the occasional pitch, until he ultimately passed away in 2007.
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Eddie Feigner left a lasting mark on sports that goes beyond just his skill. With The King and His Court, he showed incredible talent and entertainment, but also resilience, dedication, and a commitment to giving back. Feigner's ability to thrill audiences everywhere underlines his talent not only as an athlete, but an entertainer. His life and career has inspired countless individuals to push past obstacles, and achieve a lasting legacy for themselves.
Eddie Feigner and his wife, Anne Marie, signing autographs at an event for The King and His Court.
The King's Stats
Total Games Pitched In
11,125
Total Games Lost
1,072
Total Games Tied
310
Total Games Won
9,743
Total Games Won In A Row
187
Total Strikeouts
141,517
Highest Average Strikeouts (Per Game, 1 Season, 9 Inning Game)
24
Total No Hitters
930
Total Shutouts
1,982
Total Batters Struckout While Pitching Blindfolded
8,698
Total Perfect Games
238
Total Pitching Exhibitions
14,454
Total Cities Worldwide Played At Least Once
4,405
Most Games Pitched In A Row
57
Average Pitching Speed
104 MPH
Highest Pitching Speed
114 MPH
Words cannot possibly express the love and admiration that I feel for my wife, Anne Marie.
The Queen's story is better than mine!
– Eddie Feigner, "From An Orphan To A King"
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At just 9 years old, Anne Marie witnessed Eddie Feigner in action for the first time, mesmerized by his skill and charisma on the mound at a fundraising game in Detroit. Sitting atop her father's shoulders in a packed stadium, she watched in awe as Eddie pitched blindfolded, striking out batters effortlessly.
This moment ignited Anne Marie's determination to excel as a fastball pitcher, driven by her ambition to become not only the best in her field but to break barriers as the first female professional baseball player, perhaps even someday for her beloved Detroit Tigers.
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Anne Marie's path to prominence in sports administration and advocacy began to unfold as she matured. In her role as FL ASA District 5 Junior Olympic Chairman and Titusville Police Athletic League (PAL) Softball Director, she spearheaded initiatives to elevate girls' fastpitch softball across multiple states.
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Throughout her career, Anne Marie championed gender equity in sports, driven by her belief that every young girl deserved equal opportunities. Her tireless advocacy in Brevard County, pivotal in advancing gender equality in local high schools through initiatives like the Title IX lawsuit, stands as a testament to her commitment. Behind her unwavering dedication was the steadfast support of her father, Richard, whose early encouragement paved the way for her lifelong crusade for equality in sports.
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Anne Marie's journey intersected fatefully with Eddie Feigner's in the early 1980s in Texas, marking the beginning of a professional and personal partnership that would span decades. Collaborating on initiatives to secure college sports scholarships for women in the southern United States, Anne Marie and Eddie forged a bond grounded in their shared passion for empowering young athletes.
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Anne Marie Feigner's remarkable journey through the world of sports is a testament to perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of equality.
Born Anne Marie Dozbush in Detroit, Michigan, she discovered her love for athletics at an early age, growing up sittting behind the benches of the Detroit Tigers with her father, who was an avid fan of the sport. Little did she know that these childhood experiences would shape her future alongside some of the game's greatest names, including her future husband, Eddie Feigner.
Anne Marie at 13 years old
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The King and Queen, Eddie and Anne Marie Feigner
In 1997, Eddie surprised Anne Marie by inviting her to join him on tour, a spontaneous gesture that led her to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the iconic red, white, and blue van. Their bond blossomed, culminating in marriage on August 8, 1998.
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Anne Marie would join The King and His Court as their first and only female player, earning her the affectionate moniker "Queenie." Her expertise in pitching and switch-hitting, honed through years of dedication, made her not only a formidable competitor but also an experienced instructor during the Court's clinics.
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In the latter years of Eddie's life, Anne Marie stood by his side as his partner and advocate, helping him navigate his many health challenges while also balancing all the finances, tour bookings, and interviews as the President and General Manager of The King and His Court.
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After Eddie's passing, Anne Marie has continued to honor his legacy and further their mission to give back to the community, and to advocate for young athletes coming from low-income backgrounds.
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Anne Marie continues to inspire the next generations of athletes, particularly young girls, whom she encourages with her story, saying: "I want to give the girls something to dream about. If I can do it, you can do it!" Anne Marie's story is a testament to the enduring impact of passion, perseverance, and a belief in the limitless potential of every athlete.
