1945-46 Caramelo Deportivo Set and Checklist

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Pre-War Cards

‘It’s In The Details’

Title	Caramelo Deportivo
Year	1945-46
Size	1 7/8″ x 2 5/8″
Images	Black and White
Type	Candy/Gum
Number in Set	100

1945-46 Caramelo Deportivo Overview

1945-46 Cuban Deportivo Consuegra Produced in Cuba, this 100 card set is one of the first true post-war issues. The set was created for the 1945-46 Cuban winter baseball season, hence the reason it spans over those two years.

The cards are basic with black and white images on the front along with a card number. The images used are often a bit grainy/low quality and appear inside of a black border that is surrounded by white borders.

Backs repeat the card number and include some basic biographical information as well as a short advertisement for the issuer, Felices, as well as the name of the set, Caramelo Deportivo (Sports Candy). Backs also include an address and phone number for Felices.

While many of the players in the set will not be familiar to American collectors, several are. Among those included are the likes of Minnie Minoso as well as Hall of Famers Martin Dihigo, Ray Dandridge, and Willard Brown. Some other recognizable names are found here, too, including Armando Marsans, a major leaguer that also appears in the American T207 set.

Also of note is that card No. 73, Napoleon Reyes, was considered a chase card with few known copies. The card is so difficult to find that many collectors consider the set complete with 99 of the 100 cards with his not present.

Low-grade commons in the set typically start around $10.

Non-Athlete Cards

While the players in the set are obviously the keys, several non-athlete cards exist as well. First, is an introduction card followed by a picture of a baseball scene (Cards No. 1 and 2).

The introductory card has the 1945 and 1946 years along with Card No. 1, a simple baseball image (glove, bat, and ball) and the Caramelo Deportivo set (with a mention they were created and distributed for Felices along with their address and phone number.

Additionally, four team pennants are also included –Marianao, Havana, Cienfuegos, and Almendares.

Shown here is one of the team banner cards. These include the card number on the front as is found on the cards for players but the picture is a simple pennant image with the corresponding team’s first initial. Typically, these cards sell for above common prices.