A Federal League mini-pennant find

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Posted By: Keith

Hey guys,

I picked up this Indianapolis Hoosiers mini pennant recently in a large group of pennants. It is small at about 8 inches long and has some condition issues as can be seen in the scan, including tackholes, etc. I believe the players image at the left represents Benny Kauff, who was the star of the Hoosiers, and was pretty much the star of the league as he was nicknamed the Ty Cobb of the feds. In 1914 he lead the federal league in batting average, on base percentage, runs, hits, total bases, doubles, and stolen bases. The guy's story is pretty interesting as he was later banned from the Major leagues for involvement in a car theft ring.
Do federal league pennants show up much?



Image of Kauff:

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Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Very nice pennant.

Kauff's autograph is much tougher than most players who died in the early 1960's. I have only seen three, of which I own one. I believe Jim Thorpe signed the other side of the album page.

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Posted By: 1934Tour

I believe he was known throughout the league as Benny "Fingers up" Kauff. Certainly looks like him on that pennant. Nice find.

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Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Like Hughie Jennings before him, Kauff was certainly known to be a bit of a rebel, using his tongue to give a giant raspberry to Napoleonic authority, much like many great men of the past and present.

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Posted By: Keith

Thanks guys; He definetly sounds like an interesting character.
Have either of you seen federal league mini pennants before?