This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2010
Offered is a rare signature model Bennie Kauff bat that measures 31.5" and weighs 38.5 oz. Bat has the WWI era Clark Griffith stamp on the handle. Bat is well used with a 4" piece off the back, dents about the barrel, some darkening of the original finish but the markings are fine. The handle is not cracked and there are numerous cleat marks about the barrel. It only grades an A2.5 as it had 5 base points and 3 use points but lost 3 points due to the Ball & Bat fund stamp and - 2.5 for various condition issues. This is only the second Kauff bat that MEARS has ever examined.
Kauff was often referred to as the "Ty Cobb of the Federal League" for leading the FL in batting and stolen bases in 1914 & 1915 before joining McGraw and the Giants. He was accused of being a part of a car theft ring and was banned from baseball, despite being cleared in court, in 1920 joining the infamous Black Sox in exile.
Collection of MEARS staff.