Glenn Burke and the Birth of the High Five

Photo: ESPN

ESPN's Emmy-nominated 30 for 30 series turns its lens to Glenn Burke in a new online short feature about the birth of the high five. What was a spontaneous gesture at the time turned into a universal symbol of celebration.

The short documentary, directed by Michael Jacobs, tells the story of Burke's professional career as he navigated being semi-out to his team and dealing with internal politics of being gay in baseball. Following his retirement from the sport, Burke came out to the public, becoming the first baseball player to do so.

Recently, Major League Baseball honored Burke, who lost his battle with HIV in 1995. During the All-Star Game, the MLB hosted Burke's surviving family members.

Burke was more than a gay athlete, he was a pioneer both on and off the field.

Watch the new 30 for 30 documentary short, The High Five, below: