1943 M.P. & Co. (R302-1)

The 1943 M.P. & Co. (R302-1) baseball card set consists of 24 cards measuring approximately 2-5/8” by 2-1/4” and was issued by the Michael Presser & Co. novelty and carnival supply company. The cards were produced as crudely drawn cartoons presented in bold colors, but show little resemblance to the players themselves. The World War II era set was issued in two types and a minimum of five subtypes. The set was issued in strips, originally, and could often be purchased at candy counters. The fronts displayed the drawing of the player, often in action, with the player’s name printed within a baseball. The backs consisted of brief descriptions of the player, including his full name. One major type also offered the player’s team, while the second showed no team. Significant players include Lou Boudreau, Joe Cronin, Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio, Bobby Feller, Jimmy Foxx, Hank Greenberg, Carl Hubbell, Joe Medwick, John Mize, Mel Ott, Pee Wee Reese, Charles Ruffing and Ted Williams.