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Fact of the Day: The high-five was invented in 1977
Think high-fives have been around forever? Not quite! They’re actually younger than email — and maybe even you!
The most widely accepted origin takes us to 2 October 1977, at a baseball game between the LA Dodgers and Houston Astros. After hitting his 30th home run, Dodger Dusty Baker was met at home plate by teammate Glenn Burke, who raised his hand in celebration. Baker slapped it — and the high-five was born.
Burke hit his own homer right after, and the pair repeated the move. A few days later, their high-fiving moment was snapped by the LA Times and ran with the headline 'GIVE HIM A HAND.;
Another origin story credits two college basketball players in 1978, but the baseball version came first — and has the photo to prove it.
Watch the video to see how a simple slap turned into a worldwide celebration signal.
