Baseball cards were a relative afterthought during much of the 1940s. World War II dominated the landscape and major card releases were all but abandoned between 1941 and 1948. The early part of the 1940s included products like Goudey, Double Play, and Play Ball. Near the end of the decade, two well-known hobby names emerged, as Leaf and Bowman both released their first baseball products. This helped the transition to regular baseball card releases by established brands.
Overall, the big names in the hobby ruled this under-served decade. 1948-49 Leaf, 1948 Bowman, and 1949 Bowman are among the top products. Popular rookie cards came from Duke Snider, Ralph Kiner, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Stan Musial, Warren Spahn, and Yogi Berra.
Explore out our extensive database of 1940s Baseball Card Set Information. Each product profile includes full checklists, product info, expert analysis, and a shopping guide. Browse baseball cards produced during 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1949.
1940 Play Ball Baseball offers a deep checklist that is headlined by Shoeless Joe Jackson, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. The black-and-white set is considered by many collectors to be one of the best the hobby has ever produced.
Featuring two players per card, 1941 Double Play Baseball lives up to its name. The two-in-one set pairs teammates and is headlined by many Hall of Fame subjects, including Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio.
The final release from Goudey, 1941 Goudey Baseball is not the strongest effort from the company, but the colorful look makes it stand out. Led by Hall of Fame players Carl Hubbell and Mel Ott, there are actually four versions of each card and several short prints.
The third and final set in Gum, Inc. line’s original run, 1941 Play Ball Baseball features an improved look and another strong checklist. Highlights include Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Pee Wee Reese.
1948 Bowman Baseball marks the first time the card maker made a set of baseball cards. The landmark issue includes rookie cards of Stan Musial, Yogi Berra and Warren Spahn.
1948-49 Leaf Baseball is a hobby classic. The first color set of baseball cards following WWII, the checklist includes rookie cards for Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige, as well as key cards for several other all-time greats.
1949 Bowman Baseball isn’t regarded as the most attractive set ever, but it does have a potent checklist. Highlights include rookie cards of Roy Campanella and Duke Snider as well as early cards of Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige.
 
1949 bowman satchell paige PSA 3 CENTERED / SHARP grail |
1949 BOWMAN #100 GIL HODGES ROOKIE RC HOF BROOKLYN DODGERS HOFER WOW RARE |
1949 Bowman Satchell Paige #224 Psa 2 HOF Cleveland Indians Baseball Card |
1949 BOWMAN #24 STAN MUSIAL ISA 1.5 CARDINALS HOF *K5747 |
1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson Rookie Card #50 RC HOF - Certified PSA Authentic |
