The high five, one of the most widely recognized celebratory gestures, has a surprisingly recent origin. Though many assume it has been around for centuries, the first recorded high five happened on October 2, 1977, during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros. Outfielder Dusty Baker had just hit his 30th home run of the season when his teammate, Glenn Burke, greeted him at home plate with an upraised hand. Baker instinctively slapped it, and thus, the high five was born.
Since then, the high five has evolved into a universal sign of victory, camaraderie, and excitement. It has even made its way into pop culture, sports traditions, and workplace morale-boosting activities. In some cases, psychologists argue that a simple high five can improve motivation and social bonding, making it more than just a fun gesture.
Interestingly, some historians believe the high five was preceded by the low five, a gesture commonly exchanged in African American communities during the early 20th century. However, it was Burke and Baker’s spontaneous exchange that officially brought the high five into mainstream sports and society.
Hello Ming,
That’s such an interesting fact. I always thought the high five had been around forever, but it’s cool to know it started in a baseball game not too long ago. It’s amazing how a simple gesture can become such a big part of our daily lives, whether in sports, work, or just celebrating small wins with friends. Also, learning about the connection to the low five makes it even more fascinating. Thanks for sharing this fun piece of history.