The King and Me

Short Summary

The objective of this Indiegogo Campaign is to raise the needed funds to produce a documentary film, "The King & Me". The movie will highlight and weave together the stories of Eddie "the King" Feigner, world famous softball pitcher, showman, and promoter, along with the tale of the Maccabiah Games (Israel's Jewish Olympic-style competition), the Maccabi USA softball program, and Dave Blackburn’s unique involvement as primary pitcher on its international traveling softball team. Producer Dave Blackburn has competed in the World Maccabiah games for over 25 years. That longevity led to him becoming the sole American player inducted into the Israel Softball Hall of Fame. Blackburn’s participation in 6 quadrennial World Maccabiah Games is the most among Maccabi USA athletes, within any sport. He was also inducted into the International Softball Congress (ISC) Hall of Fame in August 2011 in recognition for his contributions in promoting and exposing the sport to a greater worldwide audience. Dave has pitched in over 1,800 ball games and traveled globally pitching for the Maccabi USA softball team. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the ISC, a position he holds now for over 12 years.

Dave’s deep passion for fastpitch softball began at a young age. At age 5, it seems his fate was sealed as he witnessed his father pitch against Eddie "the King" Feigner...the legendary founder of the "King & His Court" 4 man touring comedy softball team. From that moment, Dave was inspired to become a fastpitch softball pitcher himself, as his father had done. Following that course led to many worldwide travels and an extraordinary life journey for Dave, just like the King, Eddie Feigner himself.

Although Millions saw him perform live,the Eddie Feigner story is well known to far fewer than preferred. It remains the greatest story never told, in a 125 year old sport that also seems to be lost, to the worldwide sports media, and its community of sports fans. Ironically Dave was the last player recruited to be a member of the King & His Court team. In the summer of 2010, an invitation came to Dave from 30+ year veteran player of the King & His Court, ageless pitcher Rich Hoppe. Dave was scheduled to pitch a series of games on the Southern leg of team’s 65th, and final tour during the summer of 2011.

Unfortunately, due to a horrific and near fatal head-on car collision in August 2010, in which Blackburn was a passenger, Dave was not able to take part in fulfilling his dream of being an official touring member of King and His Court. After fighting off the "Grim Reaper", spending nearly two months in a coma, surviving over 117 days being bed-ridden, and the eventual loss of his lower right leg to amputation, Dave continues to make great progress in the recovery process. Looking back, Dave now firmly believes his life was spared for a few reason, primarily to tell the world the unlikely and truly inspiring story of Eddie Feigner.

The movie will delve into the worldwide fame Feigner achieved through his truly unique take on softball, how his entertaining live performances brought laughs and  pleasure to millions of fans, and by how it all profoundly, and personally affected Dave Blackburn’s life path, and continues to be a huge part of his rehabilitation process. 

Dave was recently invited back to Israel to throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch to commemorate the softball Tournament held within 19th World Maccabiah Games in July of 2013. He will march in the games Opening Ceremonies parade of athletes alongside over 1,150 Maccabi USA teammates. The 2013 team will be the largest contingent to ever represent the USA in this, or any other International multi-sports competition. These scenes shot in Israel will be the final climactic scenes  closing of "The King & Me" film.

From pre kindergarten to the present day, this film will chronicle the parallel story of Eddie Feigner and Dave’s personal softball odysseys. A true tale of how a 5 year old can dream wildly, hold deep convictions and a passionate dedication, keep a steady focus, maintain unabashed enthusiasm and with a little good luck and timing, can achieve dreams and go places he never really thought possible.All raised funds will go directly towards the cost of research, all facets of production, fees to secure rights to archival footage and copyrighted music, and distribution fees, promotions and marketing costs. 

There are lots of great perks available listed to the right on this page. Your donations are rewarded with gifts based on the tier level that you donate. 

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