STUDIO CITY, CA, Feb. 14, 2007: The world-famous ‘The King And His Court’ four-man softball team’s 62nd annual international tour will begin Memorial Day weekend, 2007, and is dedicated to the memory of Eddie Feigner, its founder and star pitcher who died February 9 at the age of 81 in Huntsville, AL.
(A memorial service for Eddie Feigner is to be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24 at Central Seventh Day Adventist Church, Huntsville, AL)
Steve Beden, Executive Director of the North American Booster Club Association (NABCA), and The King and His Court’s new administrative leader, said, “The King and His Court will continue the legacy started by Feigner of helping to raise money for charity and youth organizations while providing a positive family oriented event. NABCA is committed to helping insure The King and His Court not only lives on for decades to come, but also provides an expanded level of support and entertainment for all who attend.”
Feigner’s wife, Anne Marie, said: “Eddie dedicated his life to entertaining people around the world and with the leadership and guidance of NABCA Eddie’s legacy and The King and His Court will continue touring for generations to come.”
In 2000, at the age of 75, Eddie Feigner stopped pitching after suffering a stroke in Australia the day after tossing the ceremonial first softball pitch at the Sydney Olympics.
Feigner was immediately replaced on the mound by his personal selection and long-time back-up, Rich Hoppe of Burbank, CA.
Hoppe, a showman like Feigner with a large repertoire of trick pitches, will take a 130-game winning streak into the 2007 season.
The 2007 tour, named “The Old School Tour,” will be a throwback to the early years of the team’s history. Featured will be 50s style uniforms and comedy routines not seen in several years as well as the high level of fast-pitch softball action.
“The team is the most popular attraction in softball history,” said Jack Knight, a 26-year veteran first baseman, adding, “I am very honored to be named manager and team Captain.”
In 1999 Sports Illustrated magazine ranked its top 20 favorite teams of the 20th Century based on “…how much fun they had playing the game – and how much fun we had watching them.” The King and His Court ranked 8th, ahead of such fan favorites as the 1985 Super Bowl champs Chicago Bears (11th) and the 1955 World Series champs Brooklyn Dodgers (#19).
In 61 years of playing conventional nine-and-ten-man teams while fielding just a pitcher, catcher, first baseman and shortstop, The King and His Court has traveled more than 4,000,000 miles to win more than 10,000 of its more than 11,000 games before more than 20,000,000 spectators on six continents and in all 50 states.
On the 2007 tour, Russ Fittje, of Omaha, Nebraska, a former Hasting College standout, and 2nd year man, Jason Fisher, will share shortstop duty and popular long-ball hitter Dave Booth will handle the catching. New manager Knight will also emcee.
The North American Booster Club Association (NABCA) www.boosterclubs.org is the premiere (#1) booster club association in North America providing guidance, education, training and support to booster clubs and extracurricular programs throughout the United States and Canada. Booster Clubs are a key component to a successful extracurricular program as they provide funding, volunteer support, upkeep for facilities, fields and equipment, transportation and scholarships.
Media Contact: Jack Knight, Tel: 818 762-9810, Cell 818 679-0421, e-mail; alientoca@aol.com
Corporate Contact: NABCA, tel: 509 735-2828 ext 205; e-mail: sbeden@boosterclubs.org
