The year was 1977: "Annie" opened on Broadway, "Star Wars" hit the big screen with what none of us knew at the time was, in fact, its fourth installment and Elvis Presley launched from a porcelain bowl into the great hereafter. But for sports fans, 1977 was the year of the Yankees - Reggie Jackson, Billy Martin and George Steinbrenner. And we get to live it all over again with ESPN's amazing miniseries "The Bronx Is Burning," airing Tuesdays.

Setting the scene: OK, 1977 was not exactly a pretty year - lots of plaid, patent leather and platform shoes. Not to mention people who loved bushy hairdos, sideburns, wide ties and fine Corinthian leather. But remember, this is a Yankees party, too, so load up on the navy and white Yankees logos, pennants and a hand-painted sign reading, "Dear Billy: You're Fired! Love, George." Rent a popcorn machine, lay down some shag carpeting, and then midway through the party, turn the lights out and encourage guests to loot. Print out fact sheets for the year (www.infoplease.com) so guests can recall things like "Roots" airing and that first-class stamps cost 13 cents. It'll feel so much like 1977 you'll be ordering Billy beer by the case.

Attire: Pinstripes, where appropriate - and at this party, it's appropriate. Guests should look like Yankees players (www.fastballfanatics.com) or, if there's a thrift store nearby, Steinbrenner circa 1977 (think leisure suits). Polyester and plaid never went together better than during this time period.

On the menu: Yankee pot roast, Cracker Jacks, hot dogs, cold beer in plastic cups and champagne to celebrate the Yanks' '77 championship.

On the hi-fi: Studio 54 opened its doors, and disco was king - turn up the soundtrack from "Saturday Night Fever." Other songs from 1977 include "Rubberband Man" by the Spinners, "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, "Hotel California" by the Eagles, "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and "I'm Your Boogie Man" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

The showstopper: If you want something memorable for this party, grab a ball and bat autographed by Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson, at www.reggiejackson.com, and have guests take turns using them in the backyard. Both items can be had for a reasonable price, and the thought of actually using them makes your cool quotient shoot way up among the sports fans in the crowd.