Eddie Feigner in a first pitch ceremony prior to a game at the 2000 Olympic Softball competition. (Photo by Getty Images)

GAME LOSES AMBASSADOR
2007-02-12

Eddie Feigner died Friday in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 81. He barnstormed with a four-man softball team called “The King and His Court” for more than half a century, including visits to more than 300 military installations around the world.

Although Feigner (pronounced FAY-ner) did throw from the pitching circle, it was his pitches from second base, behind his back, on his knees, between his legs, from center field, and blindfolded that made his quartet an attraction to spectators.

A highlight on his résumé is a ceremonial first pitch thrown out prior to one of the games at the 2000 Olympic Softball competition in Sydney, Australia.

“Eddie did an awful lot that helped promote the game of softball,” said Don Porter, President of the International Softball Federation (ISF), the sport’s world governing body. “We are saddened by his passing and recognize his efforts in creating an awareness of our sport around the world. The ISF is grateful for his contributions to our game.”

Feigner once had a fastball clocked at 104 miles per hour and played in more than 10,000 games. He began “The King and His Court” in 1946 on a dare after having just pitched a shutout in his Washington-based nine-man team’s rout of an opponent from Oregon. The losing side challenged him to another game and with just a catcher, first baseman, and shortstop accompanying him, Feigner pitched a perfect game, winning 7-0.

(information from the Associated Press was used in this article)