Date: June 24, 2026 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #56. Glenn Burke: The High Five Inventor and MLB's Trailblazing Gay Icon Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller). Summary In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Glenn Burke, the man behind the high-five and a pioneering figure in Major League Baseball's history. Glenn's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. From leading his high school basketball team to a championship to becoming a rising star in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics, Glenn's journey was marked by groundbreaking moments, including the spontaneous invention of the high-five with teammate Dusty Baker in 1977. This simple yet powerful gesture became a symbol of celebration worldwide. However, Glenn's life was not solely defined by his athletic prowess. As one of the first openly gay athletes in professional sports, his courage to live authentically amid an era of deep-seated discrimination set a trailblazing path for future generations. Glenn's struggle for acceptance within the MLB, including facing overt prejudice and ultimately being traded, underscores the harsh realities he endured. Despite retiring from baseball and facing personal and health challenges, including his battle with AIDS, Glenn's legacy continued to inspire. His participation in the Gay Games, his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and his historic coming-out interview on the TODAY show highlight his lasting impact on and off the field. Join us as we celebrate Glenn Burke's life, reflecting on his significant contributions to sports, his brave journey as a gay athlete, and the enduring symbol of unity and joy he gave the world through the high-five. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the transformative power of sports. Highlights: 00:58- INTRO. 02:27- GLENN BURKE'S BIRTH. 04:08- NAMED HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR. 04:33- DRAFTED TO THE MLB MINOR LEAGUE. 05:49- DRAFTED TO THE MLB LOS ANGELES DODGERS. 07:42- INVENTS THE HIGH FIVE. 09:34- MANAGEMENT LEARNS OF HIS SEXUALITY. 10:04- GLENN IS TRADED TO THE OAKLAND A's. 11:38- GLENN INJURES HIS KNEE. 12:13- DEMOTED TO MLB MINOR LEAGUE. 14:35- QUITS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL. 15:11- PARTICIPATES IN THE GAY OLYMPICS. 15:41- BECOMES THE FIRST MLB PLAYER TO PUBLICLY COME OUT. 18:23- HIT BY A CAR. 19:19- DRUG ABUSE. 20:11- HOMELESSNESS. 21:27- DIAGNOSED WITH HIV. 21:32: DIEASE PROGRESSES TO AIDS. 21:40 OAKLAND A's SUPPORTS HIM FINANCIALLY WHILE HE LIVES WITH HIS SISTER. 22:22 GLENN PASSES AWAY. 23:28 BILL BEAN COMES OUT. 24:19 LIST OF ACCOLADES. Subscribe to the podcast. Links To Additional Resources: Glenn Burke Facts for Kids (kiddle.co) Glenn Burke Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com Glenn Burke, MLB's 1st openly gay player, spoke to TODAY's Bryant Gumbel in 1982 At Pride Night, Dodgers Embrace Glenn Burke, Who They Once Shunned - The New York Times (nytimes.com) Glenn Burke | Legacy Project Chicago Glenn Burke, MLB's First Openly Gay Player, Likely Invented the High Five (ask.com) Glenn Burke Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News | MLB.com Glenn Burke, Game Changer (macmillan.com) Stories - FAM (aidsmonument.org) Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five (publishersweekly.com) The Story of the First Openly Gay MLB Player: Glenn Burke - First Name Basis The Forgotten History of the First Openly Gay Man to Play Major League Baseball | Them Glenn Burke, an 'extravagantly gifted' baseball player, paid a price for being gay (oaklandside.org) Glenn Burke Baseball Stats by Baseball Almanac (baseball-almanac.com) Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five | School Library Journal (slj.com) Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five – Books of Wonder LGBTQ History: How Glenn Burke defied bigotry in Major League Baseball – Liberation News Glenn Burke – Society for American Baseball Research (sabr.org) 'Because Dusty Baker accepted him, he was accepted.' Glenn Burke's story and why it matters - The Athletic A High Five for Glenn Burke - Phil Bildner Glenn Burke - Beverly Press & Park Labrea NewsBeverly Press & Park Labrea News Glenn Burke, Baseball Player born - African American Registry (aaregistry.org) Why aren't the Dodgers recognizing Glenn Burke on Pride Night? - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) A High Five for Glenn Burke (macmillan.com) Glenn Burke Facts for Kids (kiddle.co) Jamie Lee Curtis, Ryan Murphy Team On Netflix Series About Dodgers Glenn Burke (deadline.com) Pro baseball player Glenn Burke refused to live a lie - Philadelphia Gay News (epgn.com) The A's must continue honoring Glenn Burke even if they move to Las Vegas - Outsports Glenn Burke - Oakland Athletics Unspecified Position - ESPN Glenn Burke Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News | MiLB.com Glenn Burke, 42, A Major League Baseball Player - The New York Times (nytimes.com) Glenn Burke - NBJC Ubuntu (beenhere.org) Glenn Burke, Game Changer : The Man Who Invented the High Five (Hardcover) - Walmart.com Glenn Burke was ideal Dodger teammate whose sexuality wasn't an issue - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) Glenn Burke - IMDb Glenn Burke - Los Angeles Dodgers OF | StatMuse Glenn Burke - Oakland - LocalWiki Glenn Burke remembered during Dodgers' Pride Night (mlb.com) 30 Moments of Pride: Glenn Burke unveils the high five - Outsports Glenn Burke Class of 2028 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA Glenn Burke Career Stats - MLB - ESPN Forgotten MLB Player Spotlight: Glenn Burke, a True Pioneer (calltothepen.com) Glenn Burke - BR Bullpen (baseball-reference.com) Glenn Burke | Penguin Random House Glenn Burke (advocate.com) No. 3: Glenn Burke – Tom Hoffarth's The Drill: More Farther Off the Wall Happy Birthday Glenn Burke, Baseball's First Openly Gay Player (kampstudentradio.com)
