Fifty years after its inception, the L.A. Municipal softball team, Doc Feeney's All Stars, continues to play nearly every Sunday, a testament to enduring friendship and community, even as its original members age and new generations join.
Founded in 1976 by a group of UCLA law students and other self-described "geeks" and "goofs," the team was named in jest after a humor magazine's sports oddities section. Co-founder Al Michel, still the team's coach and catcher, recalled the early days: "We're not a bunch of athletes — we're a bunch of geeks." Despite the humble beginnings, six original players remain active, joined by newer members and younger family as needed.
A recent game, a memorial for Jamie Bailey Krug, one of the original founders who passed away, underscored the team's deeper significance. With black "JBK" patches on their jerseys, the players, mostly in their seventies, competed with a spirit that transcended the score. Teammate Richie Greenberg reflected on Krug, stating, "Jamie taught me what a best friend was." The game itself, tied 16-16 entering the final inning, saw a dramatic home run that tied the score, highlighting the continued passion of the veteran players.
The team's history is replete with anecdotes that define the "Feeney way," often involving unconventional strategies and a camaraderie that prioritizes spirit over strict adherence to rules. From Michel's championship-winning protest over an illegal bat to outfielder Craig Simon's intentional strikeout to avoid a double play, these stories illustrate a unique team culture. Over the decades, the Feeneys have navigated various league divisions, experiencing both triumphs and the realities of aging, like declining eyesight affecting their ability to track pitches.
For many, the enduring appeal of Doc Feeney's All Stars lies not in athletic achievement, but in the profound sense of belonging and family it provides. "This became my family… This gave me what I was missing," shared Jeff Koppelman, a member for 48 years. This sentiment is carried forward by the next generation, including Jamie Krug's son, Aaron, and Al Michel's son, Matt, who are now integral parts of the team, bridging fifty years of shared history.
The Jamie Krug memorial game concluded with a loss for the Feeneys, 18-16. However, the outcome was secondary to the reunion and mutual support displayed by the team. Instead of disappointment, the players gathered, celebrating their bonds, inquiring about families, and doting on Krug's granddaughter, Eloise, who wore a shirt proclaiming her "Littlest Feeney." The team's enduring legacy is rooted in these connections, a five-decade narrative woven through the fabric of friendship and shared moments on the softball field.
