NATIONAL HIGH FIVE DAY
Each year on the third Thursday in April, we observe National High Five Day. This is a fun day where you can “High Five” everyone that you see.
Folklore fills the hallowed halls of sports stadiums concerning the origins of the high five. From the basketball to the volleyball court and baseball stadium, the sports metaphor has been well worn on this topic.
The two most well-known claims take place in less than a two-year time span.
During the last 1977 regular season Dodgers’ game, Dusty Baker hit the home run that made the team the first in history to have four players with at least 30 regular-season home runs each. As Baker rounded third and headed home, Glenn Burke waited at home plate to congratulate him. In a moment that is Dodgers history but was never televised, Burke greeted his teammate by raising his hand, and they slapped hands in a victorious high five.
During basketball’s 1978-79 season, the University of Louisville basketball team switched up their regular low-fives on the home court thanks to Wiley Brown and Derek Smith.
Out of all the triumphant sports gestures, such as the fist bump, fanny slap, fist pump, end zone dance, and chest bump, the high five stands in a class all its own.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHighFiveDay
- Celebrate with a high five!
- See if you can find all the fives in the High Five hidden picture.
- Once you’ve tried, check out the key.
- If you’re looking for ways to get children involved in sports, check out Project Play which encourages sports activities for all. That’s a High Five in our books!
- Use #NationalHighFiveDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL HIGH FIVE DAY HISTORY
In 2002, college students at the University of Virginia, Conor Lastowka (San Diego, CA), Sam Miotke (Corvallis, OR), and Wynn Walent (New York, NY) together created National High Five Day.
High Five FAQ
Q. Who holds the record for the most high fives?
A. In 2016, Kaiser Permanente of San Diego achieved 290 high fives in one minute. The record for the most high fives in 24 hours goes to Pete Timbs in Brisbane, Australia. He achieved 14,607 high fives in 2012.
Q. Can a high five be combined with a low five?
A. Yes. This video shows you how:
