Dusty Baker is best remembered around Chicago for serving as manager of the Cubs for four seasons, years that saw them go from winning the NL Central(before being impeded by Steve Bartman) to turning in a 96-loss season. But he also played ball for 18 years, for the Braves, Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and that is where he earned another claim to fame: being one of the inventors of the High Five.
In 1977, Baker was in the middle of his career, and playing on a Dodgers team that was easily rolling through the end of the season. On the last day of the season, with a playoff spot already in the bag, there seemingly wasn't much left to work for. But for Baker, there was something left to go for. Ron Cey, Reggie Smith, and Steve Garvey all stood with over 30 homers. Baker had 29. All he had to do was hit one more over the fence in order to make the '77 Dodgers the first team ever with 4 players having at least 30 home runs in a season. Finally, Baker cracked one out in the 6th inning. As he was rounding the bases, Glenn Burke joined the triumphant mob of Dodgers at home plate. Overcome with emotion, Burke threw his open palm up into the air. Not quite knowing what to do in response, Baker slapped it. The High Five was born.
Dusty Baker isn't the only Chicago connection in this story. Ron Cey wound up playing on the 1984 Cubs, who would make it all the way to the National League Championship Series before falling to the Padres-and Steve Garvey. In the 37 years since, people of all walks of life and of all professions have used the High Five as a symbol of approval and appreciation.
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