Glenn Burke Gives Dusty Baker The First “High Five” Ever-This Day 1977

· by · in Baseball, History, Sports. ·

On this day in 1977 Game 2 of the 1977 NLCS  Dodgers vs Phillies. Dodger Glenn Burke greets Dusty Baker on the steps of the dugout after Baker had hit a grand slam. The greeting, consisted of the two players extending their right arms above their heads and slapping their hands to make a resounding clap. This is considered the first “high five.” Burke had raised his hand, Baker didn’t know what to do so he just slapped it.

Glenn Burke played with the Dodgers and A’s from 1976-79. Burke is the only player in baseball history who let his teammates and team owner know that he was gay. He died of AIDS related causes in 1995.

story on Glenn Burke below

http://www.outsports.com/baseball/2003/0617glennburke.htm

2 responses to “Glenn Burke Gives Dusty Baker The First “High Five” Ever-This Day 1977”

  1. There’s a great documentary called OUT, the Glenn Burke story. I recommend it to all jocks,young and old,gay and straight and to people who may not be sports fans. I knew Glenn as a friend.

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