Elgin Baylor, a renowned professional basketball player, had two marriages, first to Ruby Saunder and later to his second wife, Elaine Cunningham.
Baylor, born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C., began his basketball journey at age 14, making a name for himself during his high school years at Phelps Vocational High School during the 1951 and 1952 seasons.
By 1954, he showcased exceptional talent at the College of Idaho before transferring to Seattle University in 1956.
Over three collegiate seasons, he impressed with averages of 31.3 points and 19.5 rebounds per game, even leading the NCAA in rebounds during the 1956-1957 season.
In 1958, he was the first overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers in the NBA draft and quickly made a mark by winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959.
During the 1960s, Baylor became a transformative figure in basketball with his spectacular scoring abilities, notably scoring 71 points in a single game in 1960.
His NBA career featured 11 All-Star selections and ten First Team All-NBA honors.
However, a knee injury in 1965 curtailed his career, reducing his effectiveness on the court. He retired early in the 1971-1972 season, just before the Lakers clinched a championship.
After retiring, Baylor coached the New Orleans Jazz from 1974 to 1979 and served as an executive with the Los Angeles Clippers from 1986 to 2008.
Despite facing challenges, including a lawsuit against the Clippers alleging discrimination, Baylor’s impact on basketball remains esteemed.
Baylor passed away on March 22, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest forwards in NBA history, honored with numerous accolades and remembered for his profound influence on the game of basketball.
Elgin Baylor Credited Much of His Success to His Wife, Elaine, Who Described Him as the ‘Love of Her Life’
Elgin Baylor’s second wife, Elaine Cunningham, now Elaine Baylor, credits much of his success to her strong prayers guiding him.
The couple shared 44 years of marriage, having tied the knot on September 17, 1977.
They were often seen together at public events, a testament to their strong bond and deep love for each other.
Their presence was well-documented in photographs capturing their shared moments.
Elaine, a native of New Orleans, grew up in a working-class family deeply rooted in the Baptist church.
She often credits her achievements to divine favor, saying,
I had God’s favor. That’s been my foundation and a part of my life.
Via Meaww
She pursued higher education on scholarships, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Newcomb College before obtaining her Master’s Degree from Tulane University’s School of Social Work.
Her career has been dedicated to mentoring and providing professional coaching to students, particularly those from underserved populations.
In February 2021, she joined the College of Idaho’s Board of Trustees, the same institution from which Elgin was drafted into the NBA.
She serves as a Board Member for the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation and an Advisory Board Member for the COWEN Institute at Tulane University.
Both Elgin and Elaine Baylor have devoted their lives to creating opportunities for others, a legacy now cemented through the Elgin & Elaine Baylor Opportunity Fund.
This scholarship program offers full tuition, renewable annually for four years, to U.S. students facing limited educational opportunities.
In February 2023, Elaine was honored at the center court of the College’s basketball game, where a video highlighted why Elgin chose the Coyotes in 1954 and introduced the scholarship fund.
Known for her humility and compassion, Elaine cherishes the opportunity to engage with students, sharing her wisdom and listening to their stories.
Tragically, Elgin passed away at the age of 86 in a Los Angeles hospital, surrounded by Elaine, his two children from a previous marriage, and his sister Gladys.
At the time of his passing, Elaine reflected on her deep connection with Elgin, describing,
Elgin was the love of my life and my best friend. And like everyone else, I was in awe of his immense courage, dignity and the time he gave to all fans. At this time we ask that I and our family be allowed to mourn his passing in privacy.
Via Meaww
In a poignant moment, just a month before his death, Elgin expressed his enduring affection for Elaine with a Valentine’s Day message.
Happy Valentines Day
— Elgin Baylor (@theelginbaylor) February 14, 2021
to my everlasting love, Elaine. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3NlLD94O0k
This gesture highlighted their lasting relationship, further underscoring the depth of their connection.
Elaine and Elgin also shared a daughter, Krystal, who was by her father’s side during his final moments.
Before Elaine, Elgin Baylor Was Married to Ruby Saunders
Elgin Baylor married his first wife, Ruby Saunder, on June 22, 1958. Details regarding Ruby’s early years and career remain largely unknown.
In a casual throwback photo, Elgin appears to be helping his wife Ruby with a term paper for her University of Minnesota education course.
The black-and-white snapshot captures a tender moment between the couple as they exchange loving glances.
Elgin and Ruby had two children together: a son, Alan, and a daughter, Alison.
The pair stayed together for 16 years before they divorced in 1974, though they have not publicly disclosed the specifics of their separation.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Elgin Baylor was the son of Uzziel (Lewis) and John Wesley Baylor.
- Known for his versatility, he mastered defense, offense, rebounding, and passing.
- The Baylor statue, a creation of Gary Tillery and Omri Amrany, was first displayed at the Staples Center on April 6, 2018, ahead of the Lakers versus Minnesota Timberwolves game.
