Hall of Fame

Posted by osdaadmin on September 29, 2008 in History, Roller Derby

DARLENE ANDERSON
Born Pasadena, CA, March 6, 1939. Joined Derby Sept. 7, 1957 in L.A.
‘58 Rookie-of-the-Year. Darlene’s status as first African-American
skater in Roller Derby puts her in unique category for selection to
HOF. Skated with both IRDL & NSD during 60s, becoming one of best
all-around, hardest-working skaters in the game. Women’s captain of
NSD Arizona Raiders 1962. Continued skating till end of 60s. An
inspirational figure, a true pioneer, for many who followed her into
the sport.

MARY GARDNER
Born Oct. 21 in Knoxsville, Kentucky. Introduced to Derby in 1943 by
sister Helen. Brothers Billy & Punky skated, too. Learned craft
during 40s becoming top female star. Acting women’s captain of
Washington Jets before joining Chiefs for ‘51 season. On first Derby
All-Star team (1950), again in ‘52. ‘52 RD Queen. One of four
Gardner siblings who skated Derby. Late 50s Bay Bomber star with
husband, Bill Reynolds. Mary’s selection to HOF honors entire Gardner
skating family.

BILLY LYONS
From Omaha, Nebraska, the male ‘Blond Bombshell’ of Derby. Joined
1936. Boxed professionally before Derby. Also called ‘Wild Bill.’
With blonde hair and blue eyes, Billy was a reckless, daring skater
and fan favorite. Held several world speed records. Sold race by
skating hard, fast and tough when it counted. Became one of the
game’s best blockers, too. A pioneer of the sport and one of the best
during the early Transcontinental days.

PAUL MILANE
Originally from Cicero, Illinois. Born 1922. One of Derby’s all-time
greats who learned craft during early 40s. Early in career, partnered
with HOFer Gerry Murray, who he later married. Father of HOFer Mike
Gammon. Milane’s speed and agility, his intelligence and expertise
both offensively and defensively, were unsurpassed. Barnstormed many
times across Europe, skating outlaw, making new Derby fans the world
over. Milane’s selection to HOF honors another great star of the game
whose contribution had been forgotten.

DAVE POUND
David Wayne Pound was born in Los Angeles on June 3, 1937. Joined
Derby in San Diego, Sept. 1955. All-around skating star with
Westerners, Braves & Chiefs. Coached Chicago & Hawaii in National.
One of the game’s most powerful all-around skating stars and one of
its most beloved. Rough skating style and never-back-down attitude
resulted in many injuries, which ended skating career early, but a
formidable talent who continued to work for the good of the game in
other capacities.

GERTRUDE ‘GERTIE’ SCHOLL
Of German Irish heritage from Chicago’s South Side. Joined Derby in
‘39. Broke quarter-mile and half-mile world record for women early in
career. Top scorer, then one of the great defensive stars in the
history of the sport. Nicknamed ‘Dirty Gertie’ while perfecting early
‘red shirt’ role. After two-year layoff, returned in ‘49, skating
with Brooklyn in first World Series. A worthy and sentimental
selection celebrating the best of Derby’s early days.

Announcers’ Wing - DICK LANE
Accomplished actor who was the voice of Roller Derby on the West Coast
during 50s. Later would become voice of the Los Angeles Thunderbirds
& NSD during the 60s & 70s selling sport, match races and stars of the
sport. His ‘Whoa, Nellie!’ became famous the world over. Brought
professionalism and show biz charm to National Skating Derby
broadcasts. One of the best behind the microphone and in front of the
camera.

Executive Wing - WILLIAM GRIFFITH, Sr.
Advertising executive who brought business savvy to Southern
California banked track skating experiment during the early 60s making
the Los Angeles T-Birds the darlings of the new National Skating
Derby. Created a glossy version of the banked track game that was
more theatrical than the original Derby by emphasizing individual
stars rather than teams. Instrumental in establishing permanent bases
for the sport in Australia, Japan and Canada. Contribution to the
game should not be underestimated.

Announced by Gary Powers (RDHOF)

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