1977 The year of my birth, an early ditty by The Clash, and a recent day at the ballpark. Indeed, Sunday was “Turn Back the Clock Day” at Seattle’s Safeco Field, wherein the Baseball Gods (or at least those savvy capitalists at MLB) transplanted us to that magical year when a cardiganed Carter lectured on energy policy and Officers Francis Poncherello and Jon Baker first patrolled California’s highways on CHiPs.

In addition to providing free hats to the first 20,000 fans, the promoters got Erik Estrada–”Ponch” himself–to ride his motorcycle, throw out the first pitch, and rub elbows with the fans in a meet-and-greet autograph session. (Any guesses on what that cost for the afternoon? I’ll go with $5,000.) Ponch’s smile was as wide and white as ever, charming nostalgists and newbies alike. ‘Twas like a scene penned by June Carter when he mounted his trusty motorbike and the flashbulbs popped ’round him in a ring of fire.

I was too late (and the line too long) to achieve an audience with Ponch, but I managed to squeeze in some photo-ops nonetheless.

Note the vintage Mariners’ jersey worn by Estrada and the free cap by the author

The game featured many lead changes and, appropriately, a stirring comeback by the Mariners–clad in their ‘77 unis–for the win.

Can the Land Shark sink his teeth into an OPS above .700?

Last October, at my cousin Jennifer’s wedding reception, I had the pleasure of seeing my Uncle Louie dance. His physique resembles Vincent Vega’s (plus a few pounds), but his twist is without comparison. I was left in disbelief at his grace and the fact that he and I are related.

Where is this anecdote going, you ask?

Well, when the 7th-inning stretch arrived and the P.A. system began playing “Louie Louie”, I thought of my rug-cutting uncle and decided to give his moves a try. While I failed even to approach his rhythmic grace (it may have looked more like the robot than the twist), I did attract the attention of whoever decides what to show on the big screen. Thus, a stadium full of fans was treated to an extended session of this.

To cleanse your palate of that awkwardness, I leave you with the contrastingly suave Ponch, as featured in a 1977 promotional trailer for CHiPs. Enjoy!