Eleanor Gehrig: The Woman Who Kept Lou Gehrig’s Legacy Alive

Eleanor Gehrig is best remembered as the devoted wife of baseball legend Lou Gehrig, but her story is so much more. She was a strong, independent woman who served a key role in the preservation of her husband’s legacy and in raising awareness about ALS. Throughout her life, Eleanor showed unwavering love, strength, and commitment—not just to Lou but to the causes that became her calling.

While Lou Gehrig’s name will always be placed in baseball’s history books, Eleanor’s actions are no less significant. From being his largest fan during his playing years to standing by his side through his tragic battle against ALS, to finally dedicating her life to giving back to mankind, Eleanor’s legacy was monumental. Her life was an example of love, sacrifice, and the courage of maintaining a legacy.

Quick Bio

Who Was Eleanor Gehrig?

Eleanor Grace Twitchell Gehrig was born on March 6, 1904, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Frank Twitchell, a prosperous businessman, and Nellie Twitchell. Her father owned the Heidelberg Café and later became the official concessionaire of Chicago’s public parks, providing Eleanor with a life of luxury. She grew up in a well-connected, wealthy household, having been introduced to Chicago’s high society.

Even though she came from a privileged upbringing, Eleanor was not simply another socialite. She had a lively personality and was famous for being both witty and charming. She was an art lover, often attending vaudeville shows, and she enjoyed a very social life. She was not interested in sports, which only made her later romance with a baseball player so surprising.

Eleanor became not just famous as the wife of Lou Gehrig but also due to her dedicated efforts in maintaining his memory and legacy. She was a very important figure in spreading awareness of ALS, medical research, and the rights of veterans and families afflicted with neurological diseases.

Early Life

Eleanor grew up in Chicago amidst excitement and luxury. As the daughter of a successful businessman, she had the privilege of attending the finest social events and cultural activities. Eleanor was a free spirit and a thrill-seeker. She adored ice skating, horseback riding, and traveling with her family.

Though she attended school, Eleanor was not book-smart. She would frequently skip school to attend plays or parties. This is not to imply that she was not ambitious, merely that she had other priorities. She was raised with a sense of independence, one that would later prove invaluable for her to be able to stand her own ground in a man’s world.

While Eleanor’s early life was one of luxury, it was not without struggle. Her father’s entrepreneurial pursuits were not always sound, and she learned early on that wealth and status were fleeting. This was a lesson she would find herself relying on as she managed money after Lou’s passing.

Meeting and Marrying Lou Gehrig

Eleanor’s existence was irrevocably changed after meeting Lou Gehrig. They first met at a Chicago party in 1928, but at the time she barely took any notice of the humble, introverted baseball star. Lou was immediately smitten, though.

They met again later under different circumstances, and this time Eleanor was interested in him. Despite their different personality types—Lou was reserved and quiet, Eleanor was outgoing and vivacious—their connection grew. He appreciated her humor and beauty, and she was drawn to his humility and generosity.

The two were married on September 29, 1933, and Eleanor soon became a part of the life and business of Lou. She traveled with him during the season, managed household chores, and supported him through the ordeals and hardships that accompanied his sudden fame. She was an amateur at all things except baseball but ended up as one of the best fans Lou had ever known, attending every one of his games, tending to his health and well-being.

Eleanor Gehrig’s Role During Lou’s Illness

In 1939, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that would come to be known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This terrible news rocked the baseball world, but no one was more affected by it than Eleanor. She devoted herself to his care at once, serving as his full-time caregiver as he battled the disease.

Eleanor remained with Lou as his health failed, taking care to make him as comfortable as possible. She also handled his public relations, arranging for his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium—a moment that now ranks as one of the greatest in sports history. In his speech, Lou famously referred to himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” a statement that delighted fans and secured his status as an all-time great.

Throughout all this, Eleanor remained strong and elegant. She protected Lou from unwanted media attention and worked tirelessly to ensure his final years were noble and full of love. Her devotion throughout this period showed her incredible resiliency.

Life After Lou Gehrig’s Death

When Lou passed away on June 2, 1941, Eleanor was devastated. Rather than pulling out of the spotlight, though, she sought to keep his memory alive and educate people on ALS. She collaborated with Major League Baseball to develop the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, awarded to players most embodying Lou’s spirit.

Eleanor also became a leading ALS research champion. She lobbied Congress to fund more medical research, battled for better funding, and worked with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She was an ardent crusader, keeping ALS in the public eye long after Lou passed away.

No matter how she tried, Eleanor never did remarry. In interviews, she claimed that Lou was the love of her life, and no one could ever replace him. She still resided in the New York City apartment that they shared, which was full of memories of the time that they spent together.

Eleanor Gehrig’s Physical Appearance

Eleanor was renowned for her refined and sophisticated dress. She was a stunning spectacle to see, always dressed in stylish dresses and hats in the style of her high-class background. Sophisticated and poised, she exuded respect from baseball fans and socialites.

Her public image was that of an independent and forceful woman. She was educated, classy, and full of self-confidence. She stayed firm and respectable even when she was surrounded by trouble. Her ability to bear her tragedy along with public service made her a heroine for many.

Net Worth

Eleanor inherited Lou Gehrig’s fortune, which comprised earnings from his playing career, endorsements, and investments. But she was not a spendthrift. She managed the finances wisely, ensuring that Lou’s reputation was not only well served but also economically protected.

She also supported a number of charities, providing freely to causes and research focused on ALS. Her business acumen allowed her to live nicely and still continue to support those causes that she held dearest to her.

Legacy

Eleanor Gehrig’s legacy extended far past that of being the wife of Lou Gehrig. She was a trailblazer in advocating for ALS research, a guardian of baseball history, and a symbol of relentless love and dedication. Her speeches, charitable endeavors, and public outings ensured Lou’s name would never be forgotten.

Her work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Lou Gehrig Memorial Fund helped play a major role in urging research into ALS. She also worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the disease, which laid the groundwork for future lobbying campaigns.

Eleanor passed away on March 6, 1984, at the age of 80. She is remembered by the ongoing campaign to find a cure for ALS and by the ongoing tribute to Lou Gehrig’s legacy to baseball.