Learn how to shake!

In the Tigers spring training opener against Florida Southern College, Tigers reliever, Joel Zumaya accidentally plunked Florida Southern outfielder, Tyler Denzel who then did a mock charge of the mound at which time he and Zumaya shook hands and Denzel made his way to first base.

Zumaya was apparently ok with all of this until he saw the above picture.

"Did he really just give me the handshake/elbow touch? Who does he think he is? I'm glad I plunked him."

Ok, I see a refresher lesson on handshake etiquette might be necessary.

Here are the basics of handshakes just off the top of my head:

1. Firm grip always (just short of breaking the other person's hand). Give it to him.

2. Maintain eye contact.

3. Smile (unless it is an adversary and then it is a slight smile with a unwavering firm glance).

4. Do not maintain eye contact too long or you might make the other person a little uncomfortable. Again if an adversary, do the opposite and maintain eye contact one second after the other guy looks away. He needs to know that there is no free lunch here.

5. Relax grip when the other person does. This is probably instinctive and you only notice a problem here when someone does not release your hand timely which throws you off a little. You might need to keep an eye on a person like this.

6. Do NOT do the elbow touch; especially with a man. This is borderline paternalistic behavior and may not be received well and you might get the "boomerang effect" from that elbow. STAY AWAY FROM THIS! Shake hands like a man. Leave the elbows alone!

In other words, that Florida Southern player is EXTREMELY lucky they are not going to play the Tigers again this year because Joel Zumaya would probably plunk him as payback for the "elbow thing". It probably would not be a "Barry Zito/Prince Fielder ha ha we're friends now" plunking either. No it would probably be a "hospital stay" plunking. That guy needs to learn a lesson.

Learn how to shake and you won't have these problems.