Overview

Roller Derby found a home in the San Francisco Bay Area following its Depression-era Chicago origins. An early television sensation, it faded to a modest existence in Los Angeles during the 1950s. Creator Leo Seltzer turned the game over to his son Jerry, who repositioned the traveling Bay Bombers from their home terrain of San Francisco to Fresno and everywhere in-between. He shined television camera lights on skaters who became the zenith in Roller Derby, including Charlie O'Connell, Annis Jensen, Joanie Weston, and more. Syndicated television games seen by millions yielded sellout crowds in every major arena in the country. However, economic and cultural changes closed Roller Derby in 1973. Passionate fans clung tenaciously to its memory. In the 21st century, the game made an astonishing return not only in Northern California but also worldwide.

Full Product Details

9780738593180

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Keith Coppage is a Bay Area educator, pop-culture writer, and official historian of Roller Derby. His mentor Jerry Seltzer conducted the Bay Bombers to national fame, founded BASS Tickets, was vice-president of Ticketmaster, and produced acclaimed films, rock concerts, and other diversions. Commissioner emeritus of all things Derby today, Seltzer receives fan mail and advice requests from skaters all over the world.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available