This is a bat that is sure to capture the attention of deadball era collectors as well purveyors of artifacts from the Federal League. Presented here is a bat believed to have been used by hitting star Benny Kauff during the inaugural 1914 Federal League season. Benny Kauff was one of the first great Jewish ballplayers and because of his combined hitting and baserunning skills was dubbed the Federal League's answer to Ty Cobb. Any item related to that defunct third Major League let alone the League's top star is quite scarce today and hence highly coveted by collectors today. The 34-1/2" 35-oz. bat features a center brand label displaying a "dash-dot-dash" pattern above and below the company name "J.F. Hillerich & Son Co." The name "Benny Kauff" is stamped on the barrel in block letters. The distinguishing feature of this bat however which is also the strongest evidence for its having been used by Kauff during the 1914 Federal League season is the side written notation and additional stamps on the knob and barrel. The very faint side writing on the barrel bears the name of Bill Rariden who was a teammate of Kauff's in 1914 with the Indianapolis Hoosiers of the Federal League. Additionally the name "Rariden" is factory stamped on both the back of the barrel and knob in block letters. This bat was originally produced for Kauff sometime between the years 1910 and 1915. Since Kauff and Rariden were only teammates in 1914 during that period and the bat was returned to the factory by Rariden it stands to reason that this bat most likely dates from their one season together. Benny Kauff was the best all-around player in the Federal League during its short two year existence. In 1914 he led the League in batting average (.370) hits (211) runs (120) slugging percentage (509) and stolen bases (75). The following summer he once again topped the circuit in nearly all of those categories. In 1916 following the Federal League's demise Kauff joined the New York Giants batting over .300 in two of his five seasons with the club. Unfortunately Kauff was implicated along with Giants teammates Heinie Zimmerman and Hal Chase in a number of gambling scandals at the time. Although nothing was ever proved he was later banned from baseball in 1921 by Commissioner Landis following his arrest for stealing a car. In fairness it should be noted that Kauff and Rariden were teammates with the Giants from 1916-1918 as well. While the bat's manufacturing period does not preclude the possibility that it was returned to the factory a year or two later it seems much more probable that it occurred in 1914 during their time together in Indianapolis. The bat is composed of top quality white ash and features deep and distinct manufacturers stampings throughout with the exception of the "Benny Kauff" barrel stamp which is somewhat light but perfectly legible. The bat displays heavy game use and wear including some light deadwood along the barrel and a 5" crack in the handle. Includes a LOA from SCD Authentic (Grade A9).