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 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.
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.
Media Contact: Jack Knight, Tel: 818 762-9810, Cell 818 679-0421, e-mail; alientoca@aol.com
