Glenn Burke dies from AIDS at the age of 42

Glenn Burke dies from AIDS at the age of 42

On May 30, 1995, former major league outfielder Glenn Burke dies from AIDS at the age of 42. The first major leaguer to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, Burke played four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland A’s. He also popularized the “high five” greeting that many players used in congratulating teammates who had…

Glenn Burke greets Dusty Baker on the dugout steps which consists of the two players extending their right arms above their heads and slapping their hands to make a resounding clap, is considered to be the first ‘high five’ in baseball history.

Glenn Burke greets Dusty Baker on the dugout steps which consists of the two players extending their right arms above their heads and slapping their hands to make a resounding clap, is considered to be the first ‘high five’ in baseball history.

Glenn Burke greets Dusty Baker on the dugout steps to congratulate his Dodger teammate for hitting a grand slam against the Phillies in Game 2 of the 1977 NLCS. The greeting, which consists of the two players extending their right arms above their heads and slapping their hands to make a resounding clap, is considered to be the first ‘high five’ in baseball history.