The high five was likely born on a baseball diamond
In short: One of the world's most universal gestures of celebration has a surprisingly specific origin story. While it feels like an ancient human instinct, the high five is a relatively modern invention tied to the history of professional baseball and the specific actions of two players.
The high five is now a global staple of sports and social interaction, yet its origins are rooted in the mid-20th century. While the exact moment of its inception is often debated, historical accounts frequently point toward the baseball diamond as the primary laboratory for the gesture. It is widely believed that the high five was popularized, and potentially even invented, by baseball players Glenn Burke and Dusty Baker.
Glenn Burke is a significant figure in this narrative, not only for his role in the gesture's birth but also for his personal history in the sport. Burke is noted as the only player in the history of organized professional baseball to come out as gay during his playing career, an act that led to him being ostracized from the sport. Despite this, his contribution to the physical language of the game remains a lasting legacy.
The evolution of such gestures can be viewed through the lens of sports theory. Theorists like Carl Diem distinguish between 'play'—which is purposeless, voluntary activity—and 'games,' which are regulated play governed by rules. While a high five might seem like a spontaneous act of play, in the context of professional sports, it serves as a regulated, culturally accepted signal of success. It transforms a private moment of joy into a public, shared ritual that defines the boundaries of team dynamics and collective achievement.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Who Invented the High Five?
- Also: Who Invented the High Five? | History, Misconceptions, & Facts | Britannica
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