Eddie Feigner was one of the greatest softball players in history, but you wouldn’t know it if you walked around Walla Walla today. Born and raised here, Feigner put this town on the map in the softball world. He dazzled crowds worldwide with his 100-mph fastball and trick pitches, striking out Major League Baseball stars with ease. Yet in his hometown, his legacy has faded. No statues, no exhibits, no major recognition. A hometown hero has been forgotten.
Feigner’s journey started right here. He developed his legendary skills on Walla Walla’s fields, perfecting pitches that would later make him an international sensation. The town once took pride in his success, but today, most residents barely know his name. Unlike other cities that celebrate their sports legends, Walla Walla has let his memory slip away.
In 1946, Feigner formed “The King and His Court,” a four-man softball team that traveled the world. He played in over a hundred countries and struck out some of baseball’s biggest stars—sometimes blindfolded. He brought global attention to a sport that had never seen a player like him. But despite his worldwide fame, Walla Walla has never fully embraced him. His story isn’t told the way it should be.
Even after achieving fame, Feigner never forgot where he came from. He spoke fondly of Walla Walla, returning whenever he could. But over time, his name faded from local conversations. Without an effort to keep his legacy alive, new generations have grown up unaware of the impact he had on sports.
Other towns celebrate their athletes with statues, museums, and annual events. Walla Walla does this for its wine industry, its pioneers, and its historic sites—so why not for Feigner? His achievements are just as important to the town’s history. Letting his legacy disappear is a disservice to both him and Walla Walla itself.
Feigner’s story is one of raw talent, showmanship, and perseverance. He redefined what was possible in softball and inspired generations of athletes. Yet, without local efforts to preserve his memory, he’s at risk of being completely forgotten. That needs to change.
His death in 2007 should not have marked the end of his story in Walla Walla. There should be a permanent reminder of his legacy—a tournament in his honor, a statue in Pioneer Park, or even an exhibit in town. Feigner’s contributions deserve more than passing mentions in old newspaper clippings.
Walla Walla has the chance to reclaim Feigner’s legacy and restore him to his rightful place in its history. It’s not just about honoring an athlete; it’s about recognizing someone who brought pride to this community. Letting his memory slip away would be a mistake.
It’s time to act. A plaque, a field named after him, or an annual event—anything to ensure that Walla Walla remembers Eddie Feigner. His story deserves to be told, and this town should be the one telling it.
Eddie Feigner was a legend, and he was one of us. Walla Walla needs to remember that.
