Introduction
Lou Gehrig is known for his legendary status in baseball. He is a player who has left an indelible mark on the sport and the world in general. But what many people don’t know is that Lou Gehrig was also incredibly wealthy. His net worth is still one of the highest of any former professional athlete. In this blog post, we will explore how Lou Gehrig amassed his fortune and the different aspects of his life that contributed to his incredible net worth.
The Early Life of Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig was born in 1903 in New York City. His parents were German immigrants and his father worked as a sheet metal worker. Gehrig showed incredible talent for baseball at a young age, playing for his high school team. He attended Columbia University on a baseball scholarship, where he continued to excel. All of this early success would set the stage for a lucrative professional career.
Lou Gehrig’s Baseball Career
Gehrig was signed to the New York Yankees in 1923 and had an outstanding career with the team. He played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for over 50 years. Gehrig was an incredible hitter and was known for his power at the plate. He won seven American League batting titles and was a two-time MVP. All of this success on the field translated into big money for Gehrig.
Lou Gehrig’s Business Ventures
Gehrig was not content to rely solely on his baseball career for wealth. He was involved in a number of business ventures throughout his life. One of his most successful ventures was the Lou Gehrig Sporting Goods Company. Gehrig also invested in real estate and owned several properties throughout his life.
Lou Gehrig’s Philanthropy
Gehrig was known not just for his talent on the field, but also for his generosity off of it. He established the Lou Gehrig Memorial Fund for Children with Polio, which raised millions of dollars for polio research. Gehrig was also an early supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and helped to raise awareness of the disease.
Lou Gehrig’s Family and Personal Life
Gehrig married his wife, Eleanor, in 1933 and the couple had a happy marriage until his death. They did not have children, but were involved in the lives of their nieces and nephews. Gehrig was also passionate about music and enjoyed playing instruments in his spare time.
Lou Gehrig’s Retirement and Illness
Gehrig’s life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939. He retired from baseball that same year and passed away just two years later. The illness that would later become known as Lou Gehrig’s disease robbed the baseball legend of his life and career at a young age.
Lou Gehrig’s Legacy
Despite his short life, Lou Gehrig left a lasting legacy on the world. He was not only one of the greatest baseball players of all time, but he was also a philanthropist and a business owner. Gehrig’s courage in the face of ALS also inspired countless people and raised awareness of the disease. Today, he is still remembered as one of the greatest Yankees players and one of the finest athletes ever to play the game.
Conclusion
Lou Gehrig’s net worth was the result of many factors, including his baseball career, business ventures, and philanthropic work. Despite his tragic end, Gehrig’s legacy lives on today as one of the greatest players and people in baseball history.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Lou Gehrig famous?
A: Lou Gehrig is famous for his baseball career as a member of the New York Yankees. He was known for his talent at the plate and his record-breaking consecutive game streak.
Q2: What was Lou Gehrig’s net worth?
A: Lou Gehrig’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $1.8 million.
Q3: What was the Lou Gehrig Memorial Fund?
A: The Lou Gehrig Memorial Fund was established to raise money for polio research and help children affected by the disease.
Q4: What is ALS?
A: ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that affects the nervous system and causes muscle weakness and paralysis.
Q5: What is Lou Gehrig’s legacy?
A: Lou Gehrig’s legacy is that of a great baseball player, but also as a philanthropist and inspiring figure in the face of ALS.