10 Funniest Handshakes in Sports

Ah, the sports handshake. An amusing tradition transcending moments of sports jubilation since the days of early American settler games, such as bear baiting.

A sign of camaraderie and affection that, while perfectly fitting in the context of big “game” moments, somehow does not translate to big “life” moments, specifically as a replacement gesture after the words “you may kiss the bride,” as this sports writer found out all too well. Especially when the photographer is getting paid by the hour, and has no expectation for the time it takes to get “the money shot.”

Despite the digression, a sampling of ten humorous, choreographed, as well as spontaneous handshakes.

FSU Baseball Team

It's one thing to go through the creative strain of developing one handshake, but it takes true skill and dedication to the craft to cultivate a handshake with multiple teammates.

Needless to say, former FSU first baseman, Brandon Reichert, also displays another talent that has nothing to do with actually playing baseball at about 1:28 into the video.  

Chicago Cubs

This handshake captures the delicate balance between slow, then fast and subtle, then ferocious. Much like a James Taylor concert.

Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors

This one from Monta Ellis made me uncomfortably aware, once again, of how severely uncoordinated I am in the art of the non-standard handshake. Accentuating the feeling was the fact that Ellis executes this in such a standard and casual manner, which only means more practicing in the mirror for the author.

The psychedelic editing also brought on a dizzy feeling, further complicating any attempt to mimic the movements in the video. 

Eastern Michigan University Basketball Team

The combination of creativity, choreography and just overall handshake hijinx is just off the charts in this clip.

One minor critique of the Eagles in this presentation; what's with all the wallflowers? C'mon guys let all of your Eagle brethren ascend into the collective flight of this performance and make it the awe inspiring handshake ensemble that it could truly be. 

Gary Neal, San Antonio Spurs

Me, myself and I. In following the age old adage to block out the crowd while shooting free throws, Gary Neal draws the line at blocking out his always loyal, always encouraging imaginary teammates.

Gael Monfils and Grigor Dimitrov

The moonlight was so perfect too.

Kevin Love and Wes Johnson

I don't know what is more unsettling: the listless relentlessness with which Kevin Love attempts to connect on the handshake or the one white sock high, one sock low style with the black high tops.

KLove got me reminiscing on the fashion of my mint open gym era style, circa summer of 95'.

Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson

Another example of how a painful missed moment of comradeship between coach and player can bring about the most primal displays of insecurity and masochism.

St. Joseph's Basketball Team

This kid No. 2 is adamant about two things: getting his fellow teammates involved with the creative handshakes and making sure he has enough traction on his LA Gear sneaks.

Random Kids, Team and Sport Unknown

This video proves that the craft will never die, and it takes years to perfect the craft.