Who Is Lou Gehrig? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lou Gehrig, an iconic American baseball player, was born on June 19, 1903. Known as "The Iron Horse," Gehrig's remarkable career in Major League Baseball has left an indelible mark on the sport. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 37 when he succumbed to ALS, a condition that would later bear his name. His legacy, however, continues to inspire fans and athletes alike. As of 2025, Gehrig's posthumous reputation remains strong, celebrated for both his athletic prowess and character on and off the field.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1903 |
| Age | 37 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 June, 1941 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Lou Gehrig's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements for Lou Gehrig in modern metrics may vary slightly, he was known to stand at 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighed around 199 pounds during his playing career. Known for his athletic build, Gehrig's physical stats contributed to his exceptional skill level as a first baseman.
The Yankees retired Gehrig's uniform number 4, making him the first player in MLB history to be so honored. Gehrig was given many gifts, commemorative plaques and trophies. Some were presented by VIPs and others came from the stadium's groundskeepers and janitorial staff.
As Gehrig was handed the gifts, he would immediately place them on the ground, as he no longer had the arm strength to hold them. The Yankees presented Gehrig with a silver trophy bearing all of their engraved signatures. Inscribed on the front was a poem written by Times writer John Kieran at the players' request.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lou Gehrig was married to Eleanor Gehrig (née Egan) on April 26, 1938, and they shared a devoted partnership until his untimely passing. Given that Gehrig has been deceased since 1941, discussions surrounding a boyfriend or girlfriend do not apply. He and Eleanor were known for their deep bond, which has often been highlighted in discussions about his life.
He was the second of four children of German immigrants Anna Christina Foch (1881–1954) and Heinrich Wilhelm Gehrig (1867–1946). Gehrig's father was a sheet-metal worker by trade who was frequently unemployed due to alcoholism and epilepsy, and his mother, a maid, was the main breadwinner and disciplinarian in their family.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures for Lou Gehrig's net worth during his lifetime were difficult to determine, it is estimated that he earned approximately $1 million in total career earnings, a substantial amount in the sport's early years. His posthumous reputation continues to generate income through merchandise, books, and film adaptations of his story.
Career, Business and Investments
Lou Gehrig had an illustrious career as a member of the New York Yankees, playing from 1923 to 1939. He was a seven-time All-Star and a six-time MVP, securing his place as one of the greatest players in MLB history. Beyond baseball, Gehrig contributed to various charitable causes and expressed interest in business ventures, although specific investments remain unrecorded.
Henry Louis Gehrig (born June 19, 1903 – June 2, 1941), also known as Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig, was an American professional baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees (1923–1939).
Gehrig was renowned for his prowess as a hitter and for his durability, which earned him the nickname "the Iron Horse". He is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Gehrig was an All-Star seven consecutive times, a Triple Crown winner once, an American League (AL) Most Valuable Player twice and a member of six World Series champion teams. He had a career .340 batting average, .632 slugging average and a .447 on-base average. He hit 493 home runs and had 1,995 runs batted in (RBIs).
He is also one of 19 players to hit four home runs in a single game. In 1939, Gehrig was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and was the first MLB player to have his uniform number retired by a team when his number 4 was retired by the Yankees.
Social Network
In 2025, Lou Gehrig's memory and contributions to baseball are celebrated across various social media platforms and fan pages dedicated to his legacy. While Gehrig did not have a personal social media presence during his lifetime, accounts honoring him often share historical anecdotes, memorabilia, and updates on ongoing research related to ALS, helping to keep his spirit alive among new generations of baseball fans.
"The Lou Gehrig Story", about the days leading up to his farewell speech, was also featured on an episode of the CBS anthology TV series Climax! on April 19, 1956, starring Wendell Corey and Jean Hagen.
Education
Lou Gehrig was a graduate of Columbia University, where he studied engineering. His academic background exemplified his intelligence and dedication, qualities that sometimes go unnoticed alongside his athletic achievements. After a distinguished college career, he transitioned to professional baseball, where he would leave a lasting legacy.
Gehrig attended PS 132 in Washington Heights, then went to Commerce High School, graduating in 1921. He first garnered national attention for his baseball ability while playing in a game at Cubs Park (now Wrigley Field) in Chicago on June 26, 1920.
His Commerce High School team was playing a local team from Lane Tech High School in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 spectators. With his team leading 8–6 in the top of the ninth inning, Gehrig hit a grand slam completely out of the major league park, which was an unheard-of feat for a 17-year-old.
