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1936 Lou Gehrig Most Valuable Player Watch
We proudly present one of the most important and sentimental Lou Gehrig pieces ever to become available on the auction block. It is his MVP award watch, presented to him in 1936 for the season in which he batted .354 with 49 home runs, 152 RBI, & scored 167 runs. This watch, the ultimate heirloom from Lou Gehrig's family, was given to Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, the Iron Horse's primary care physician who treated him while he was suffering from ALS, the disease which eventually claimed his life. Lou Gehrig & Dr. Esselstyn, known to the Gehrigs as "Essy", developed a special friendship and mutual respect during this time, the true scope of which we may never know. What we do know, is that the wife of the beloved Yankee, Eleanor Gehrig, was very aware of the relationship between Lou Gehrig & "Essy", taking it upon herself to make a gift of the 1936 MVP award watch to the doctor who had been so instrumental in the easing of Lou Gehrig into his tragic death. Eleanor and "Essy" remained close friends until Essy's death in 1975. On a photo, also given to Dr. Esselstyn by Eleanor, she inscribed the message: "Essy: As Lou's wife I knew his innermost thoughts, and of all the great men who attended him - he loved you best. Eleanor. June 9, 1941". A copy of the photo with inscription is included. The beautiful husband and wife relationship that Lou and Eleanor had is something rare and special, indeed. This 1936 Sporting News MVP award watch by Hamilton is a great symbol of that rare and special bond, as well as a defining piece of Lou Gehrig's heralded baseball career. Engraved on its verso is "Presented by The Sporting News to Lou Gehrig, Most Valuable Player American League 1936." EX. A breathtaking, monumental gift from an incredible human being, the greatest first sacker in baseball history. Comes with handwritten LOA from Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D., who at age 7, met Lou Gehrig while he was under the care of Dr. Esselstyn (his father).
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