While some people take for granted the ability to comprehend and decode signifiers of nonverbal communication, there’s a not insubstantial segment of the population who, for any numbers of reasons, lack those particular skills. The purpose of this post at FanGraphs.com is to provide an example of how a human might exhibit intense pleasure by means only of physical cues.

What one finds here is footage of Toronto right-hander Liam Hendriks from like five minutes ago, striking out Yankees batter Alex Rodriguez in an important moment during tonight’s game between the two relevant clubs. Hendriks, relieved to have escaped a perilous situation, first pumps his fists and then straightens out his left leg as though he were about to embark upon a sort of inspired triumphal march. Whatever the physiognomic antecedents for such a gesture, the meaning is clear: Hendriks is pleased. Specifically, he’s experiencing the sort of pleasure one feels by means of averting a more disagreeable outcome.

For further study, here’s the most relevant portion of the footage slowed down to 1/8th speed: