From Home Runs to History: Why Was the First High Five Ever Recorded Between Two Baseball Players in the Year 1977?

It is the universal language of celebration. Whether it is a toddler successfully stacking blocks or a professional athlete clinching a championship, the high five is so ingrained in global culture that it feels like it has existed for centuries. However, this iconic gesture is a relatively modern invention. Surprisingly, the gesture did not emerge from ancient victory rituals or decades of playground evolution. Instead, it can be traced back to a specific moment on a baseball diamond. This post explores the historical context and the spontaneous excitement behind the question: Why was the first high five ever recorded between two baseball players in the year 1977?

The Historic Milestone at Dodger Stadium

On October 2, 1977, the Los Angeles Dodgers were playing their final regular-season game against the Houston Astros. The atmosphere was already electric because the Dodgers were on the verge of a major Major League Baseball (MLB) record. Three players—Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Reggie Smith—had already hit 30 home runs each that season.

Dusty Baker, the team’s standout outfielder, stepped to the plate with 29 home runs. When Baker connected with a pitch from J.R. Richard and sent the ball over the left-field wall, he became the fourth Dodger to hit 30 home runs in a single season. This marked the first time in MLB history that four teammates had achieved such a feat. As Baker rounded the bases, the crowd erupted, acknowledging a historic offensive milestone that solidified the 1977 Dodgers as a powerhouse.

The Spontaneous Gesture: Burke and Baker

Waiting for Baker at home plate was a rookie outfielder named Glenn Burke. According to accounts from witnesses and the players themselves, the high five was not a planned celebration. As Baker approached the dugout, Burke raised his hand high over his head, his palm flat and facing Baker.

Baker, unsure of how to respond to this unfamiliar posture, reacted instinctively. In later interviews, Baker noted that he didn't really think about it; he simply reached up and slapped Burke’s hand. This interaction was captured on film and witnessed by thousands, marking the moment the "high five" was born.

Key details of this exchange include:

• The Intent: Burke was known for his exuberant personality and physical energy. The raised hand was a manifestation of that raw enthusiasm.
• The Reaction: Baker’s decision to slap the hand rather than shake it or provide a "low five" (which was common in the 1920s-1960s) created a new visual symbol of triumph.
• The Recording: Because this occurred during a high-stakes, record-breaking game, the moment was documented by sports photographers and television cameras, providing the historical proof needed to verify it as the "first."

Cultural Diffusion: From the Diamond to the World

While the Dodgers incident is the most widely accepted origin of the gesture, the high five's path to global dominance required a few more steps. Following the 1977 season, the Dodgers began using the high five as a standard team greeting.

• The Louisville Connection: Shortly after the 1977 Dodgers season, the University of Louisville "Doctors of Dunk" basketball team popularized the gesture during their 1978-1979 season. Players Wiley Brown and Derek Smith are often credited with bringing the gesture to the hardwood, where the verticality of basketball made the high five a perfect fit.
• Commercial Adoption: In 1980, the gesture moved further into the mainstream when it was featured in national advertisements and media, eventually losing its specific association with baseball and becoming a general symbol of success.

The Significance of Glenn Burke

The story of the first high five is inextricably linked to the life of Glenn Burke. As the only player in MLB history to have come out to his teammates and management during his career, Burke’s legacy is one of courage. Many sports historians view the high five as an extension of Burke’s spirit—a gesture of pure, unadulterated connection and joy. Although his career was cut short, his contribution to the social fabric of sports remains every time two people slap hands in celebration.

Conclusion

The reason the first high five was recorded between two baseball players in 1977 was a perfect storm of athletic achievement and spontaneous emotion. Dusty Baker’s 30th home run created a moment of such immense significance that it required a new form of expression. Glenn Burke provided that outlet with a simple raised hand, and Baker’s instinctual response changed the way the world celebrates.

Understanding this history reminds us that even the most common traditions have a starting point. The high five serves as a lasting tribute to a historic Dodgers season and the innovative spirit of Glenn Burke. The next time you celebrate a win, you are participating in a piece of sports history that began on a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles over four decades ago.