Roller Derby

The History of an American Sport

De: Michella M. Marino

Narrado por: P. J. Morgan

Since 1935, roller derby has thrilled fans and skaters with its constant action, hard hits, and edgy attitude. However, though its participants’ athleticism is undeniable, roller derby has never been accepted as a “real” sport. Michella M. Marino, herself a former skater, tackles the history of a sport that has long been a cultural mainstay for one reason both utterly simple and infinitely complex: Roller derby has always been coed.

Drawing on oral histories, archival materials, media coverage, and personal experiences, Roller Derby is the first comprehensive history of this cultural phenomenon, one enjoyed by millions yet spurned by mainstream gatekeepers. Amid the social constraints of the mid-20th century, roller derby’s emphasis on gender equality attracted male and female athletes alike, producing gender relations and gender politics unlike those of traditional sex-segregated sports. In an enlightening feminist critique, Marino considers how the promotion of pregnancy and motherhood by roller derby management has simultaneously challenged and conformed to social norms. Finally, Marino assesses the sport’s present and future after its resurgence in the 2000s.

©2021 The University of Texas Press (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

A Time Machine

I really enjoyed this story. So many details made me feel like I was transported back to the early days of derby and women’s rights

The definitive history of roller derby

Michella M. Marino's meticulous research on the history of roller derby, resulted in the definitive history of this fast paced form of sports entertainment. The author eloquently describes the evolution of the sport (and roller skating), being trademarked by Leo Seltzer in the 1930's. "Roller Derby" outlines how the entertainment genre avoided a early demise, and why jersey number one has been universally retired. Marino also tackles urban legends, how the media covered roller derby, and the various marketing strategies employed to grow a product into a successful television series and selling out New York's famed Madison Square Garden. The author writes extensively on how Leo's son Jerry took the reigns, and led the sport into the 70s, competing with the rival Roller Games. "Roller Derby" shows how the sports entertainment spectacle was an early co-ed activity that grew to include African American athletes during racial segregation. Marino also discusses gender politics, roller derby's king and queen competitions, the public's speculation that the games or outcomes were predetermined, and the what the future may hold for roller derby. I also enjoyed P. J. Morgan's marvelous narration.

Loved it!

Just joined this incredible sport. Great recap of the history of roller derby!! I loved it