April 14, 2001

Posted by bunkertor on April 14, 2008 in History

April 14, 2001
By Gary Powers

Seven years ago today legendary skater RONNIE ROBINSON left us.

Sugar Ray’s son was trained by GERRY MURRAY, learned his craft from the best of them, impressing everyone with his jamming skills, then startled the banked track kingdom by leading the NEW ENGLAND BRAVES to the ‘68 pennant and ‘69 world title. Ronnie was one of those skaters who could do it all. If Robinson was in the game, you knew it would be good. He could do it all with style and grace and humility. He put the sport and fans before his own personal glory, the true mark of a Hall-of-Famer.

Although I will always admire Ronnie for his greatness on the banked track, I also learned something valuable from him. After I met him in 2000 at a party for Calvello’s DEMON OF THE DERBY, I was too intimidated to return his calls or pick up the phone and see how he was doing? I mean, he was RONNIE ROBINSON!!!

When he left us too quickly and I went to his funeral in the Bronx, I realized it would have taken sooooo little effort to pick up the phone or drive to the Bronx and take him to dinner. Very little effort on my part and it would have meant a lot to him! It would have added to the quality of his life and what was stopping me??? My own silly fear? I decided then and there to not do that again. Now was the time. No more excuses. No more being afraid. Reaching out, making the connection, giving back. About acknowledging skaters and celebrating the impact they made upon fans. That’s been the framework of all we’ve tried to accomplish over the past eight years with Roller Derby Foundation.

Ronnie Robinson is still loved and missed by everyone who came into his orbit. He will always be one of the great stars of the game. Thanks for the memories, sweet prince of the banked track.
Gary P.

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