In 1914, a group of wealthy industrialists -- including bakery magnate Robert Ward and, later, oilman Harry Sinclair -- mistakenly chose a slump period in attendance to launch a third major league. The well-heeled Federal League lured such big names as Three Finger Brown, Jack Quinn, and the ever-mercenary Hal Chase, and caused an increase in salaries in the other leagues.
 
Benny Kauff was the Ty Cobb of the new league, as he spearheaded all hitters in runs with 120, doubles with 44, and batting at .370 for pennant-winning Indianapolis. A legacy of the league is Wrigley Field, originally named for restauranteur Charles Weeghman, who built it for his Chicago Whales.