Lou Gehrig, one of baseball’s most iconic figures, is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent on the field but also for the love, resilience, and dignity he displayed in his personal life.
Born as Henry Louis Gehrig on June 19, 1903, in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, his destiny seemed shaped from an early age.
His remarkable talent for baseball was evident even in his youth. On June 26, 1920, Gehrig captured national attention for the first time with a standout performance during a game at Cubs Park in Chicago.
He attended Columbia University, studying engineering.
Although he found the coursework difficult, he starred on the baseball field, playing first base and pitching for the Columbia baseball team in 1923.
During his time at Columbia, he became Phi Delta Theta’s brother.
However, after two years, he left the university to pursue a professional baseball career.
On April 30, 1923, Gehrig signed a contract with the Yankees.
In the Roaring Twenties, Gehrig Met The Love of His Life, Eleanor, At A Party In Chicago
Lou Gehrig married Eleanor Twitchell on September 29, 1933.
Eleanor Gehrig, born Eleanor H. Twitchel, was a philanthropist, socialite, sports executive, and memoirist from a noted family.
Her marriage with Lou was very loving, and both respected each other immensely.
She met Lou at a baseball game in 1928 at a party hosted by a mutual friend in Chicago.
The romance between Eleanor and Lou blossomed when Lou started gaining fame with the Yankees as one of the greatest first basemen in the game.
Despite their strong bond, there were problems in the marriage, most relating to family matters.
The Gehrigs did not have children, a decision influenced by various factors, including Eleanor’s strained relationship with Lou’s mother, significantly influencing his life choices.
Eleanor and Lou lived mainly in New Rochelle and Riverdale, New York.
Their marriage was marked by mutual strength and a deep love.
Eleanor joined Lou at various games and functions, becoming part of his public image.
Despite Their Love, Strength, And Dedication, Their Time Together Was Tragically Brief
In 1939, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that took a dramatic turn in his health.
Eleanor was right there beside him as he struggled emotionally to confront the reality of his illness.
On May 2, 1939, Lou voluntarily removed himself from the lineup after playing 2,130 consecutive games—a record that would stand for decades—marking the beginning of his decline.
Lou died on June 2, 1941, just 17 days before his 38th birthday.
He died in his home at 5204 Delafield Avenue in the Riverdale Section of the Bronx, NY.
Though he was pretty young when he died, Gehrig’s memory lives on as baseball’s “Iron Horse,” to this date, revered for his talent on the field and his fearless approach to life in its darkest hour.
He left Eleanor a widow at a very young age, but she never remarried and dedicated her life to keeping Lou’s memory alive.
Eleanor Gehrig went on in life honoring her husband’s memory.
Lou’s wife got involved in several philanthropic works and remained active within sports circles.
Her commitment to philanthropy reflected the wish to give back to the community that had supported them throughout their marriage.
Unfortunately, Eleanor died on March 6, 1984—her 80th birthday—43 years after Lou’s passing.
Her life story is intertwined with her husband’s; both are remembered for their contributions to baseball and enduring love amidst adversity.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Eleanor was born on March 6, 1904, in Chicago, Illinois, to Nellie and Frank Twitchell, with a brother named Frank.
- Eleanor’s autobiography became the TV film A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story, with Blythe Danner portraying her.
- Lou Gehrig’s wife donated $100,000 to the Rip Van Winkle Foundation, which established The Lou Gehrig Society to support ALS research and the Gehrig legacy.
