Bennie is best remembered by collectors and baseball historians as the "Ty Cobb of the Federal League" as well as being banned for life from baseball in 1921 for his implications in a car theft ring. This bat would be considered a typical retail store model decal bat except that this example was hand turned and used by someone in organized baseball and then returned to Louisville Slugger but that someone will remain a mystery since the side writing is no longer legible.
This bat has the dash dot dash center brand which places it in the 1917-21 era and the decal is worn but remains in the 60% range with a pretty nice image of him batting still intact.
Bat measures 32" and weighs 30. 9 oz.
The area of side writing visible but not legible.
Bat shows heavy game use with cleat marks, swelling and lace marks on every hitting surface.
Bat is cracked on handle in typical "H" formation extending 9" at longest point.
Factory stamps are perfect but there is some light grain separation on the barrel.
Kauff came up with the New York Highlanders in 1912, played in the Federal League through 1915 and finished his career with the New York Giants from 1916-20. Did he use this bat, that would be strictly conjecture but given his notoriety and the scarcity of any item relating to him, it should still find a spot in a nice Giants or Federal League collection.
00080 Collection of MEARS staff.