Was this the first high five in history? Iconic gesture made in 1977 by first ...

Was this the first high five in history? How an iconic gesture made in 1977 by the first openly gay player in MLB went on to become a symbol of pride Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke high fived in 1977 while playing for the LA Dodgers It was an iconic moment and would become a signature of the team's players It is recognized as the first high five in history or at leas what made it famous Burke - the first openly gay player - made the gesture a symbol of gay rights

By Ross Ibbetson For Mailonline

Published: 14:02 BST, 19 April 2019 | Updated: 14:03 BST, 19 April 2019

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After National High Five day on Thursday, the origins of the gesture have been traced to a 1977 Los Angeles Dodgers baseball match in Los Angeles.

Dodgers outfielder Dusty Baker came in for a home run and slapped hands with his teammate Glenn Burke in what is widely regarded as the first high five in history.

But not only was it an iconic high five, it was to become a symbol of gay rights in San Francisco as Burke was the first openly gay player in MLB's history.

Baker had just struck his 30th homer of the season against the Houston Astros - making the Dodgers the first team to have four batters hit 30 each in Major League history. 

When Glenn Burke (left) raised his hand Dusty Baker 'didn't know what to do, so he slapped it'

When Glenn Burke (left) raised his hand Dusty Baker 'didn't know what to do, so he

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