What is Derby About?

Posted by osdaadmin on October 1, 2008 in History

Thanks to Dee Morrissey for this excellent read!

WHAT IS THE ROLLER DERBY ALL ABOUT

by Justin Cooper, Long Island Star Journal
1952

Leo Seltzer’s spanking new Roller Derby baby of 17 years ago is a big
boy now. If enough months roll around the little gentleman, who got
his start on a restaurant napkin in Chicago, may have his own family
of minor leagues throughout the country.

Yes, with a new year here, the question is; What’s in store for the
Derby in 1952? This is also a good time to glance back over the past
365 days for they have been eventful.

The 1951 year produced many thrills and surprises so far be it from
us to pick the outstanding event of the last 12 months. Probably the
most notable achievement of Roller derby was its return to
television over WCBS-TV in the New York area. It was video that
helped give the sport prominence.

With the wheeling warriors back on the television screen, the initial
response was most encouraging. Presently the derby is being shown on
film via the sight medium in many parts of the United States,
including Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston and Los Angeles, a
true cross section.

From an individual angle, the most heart- warming event of 1951 was
enacted with just five days left in the old year. The scene was
Cleveland’s Public Auditorium and the start of a series between the
Jersey Jolters and the Westerners. The night was Dec. 27.

For many newcomers to derby doings, it was just the start of another
game. For veteran followers it was a stirring moment. It was game
time and as the announcer gave the line ups over the PA System the
name Ken Monte echoed through the area the first time in nearly a
year.

Sure enough, the man whom doctors told 11 months ago he would never
be able to skate again, was back on the track . Monte almost killed
in an automobile crash in which he received such severe injuries that
his left leg was in a cast for six months, had come back for his most
glorious moment of triumph.

It was a thrilling sight for Midge (Toughie) Brasuhn too. Toughie has
received about every honor a professional athlete can garner, but her
husband’s return brought tears to the lady whom pugnacious ness, all
round ability and crowd appeal made her one of the top 10 women
athletes in the country during 1950.

As the Cleveland series opened, the other half of the circuit was
bowing in at New York City’s 14th Street Armory. There was nostalgia
there too, as Charlie (Specs) Saunders went back into skating action
for the first time in four months.

With the past now part of the wonderful history of Roller Derby, it
is the future which offers the challenge. The fate of Roller Derby,
in the last analysis rests with you- its loyal fans.

Many things are planned for the months and even years to come. Leo
Seltzer hopes the day is not far off when the league has 12 teams in
major cities from coast to coast in addition to junior loops in the
hinterlands.

The recent Korean crisis, which has sent over 30 skaters into the
armed forces, will make the task of building derby teams across the
nation that much more difficult. However, the sport has over come
obstacles in the past and this will just be another hurdle before the
project is accomplished.

This year is to be devoted to developing new skaters and organizing
junior competition in various skating rinks as the derby’s
contribution to building the character of the nations youngest
generation.

Well, it’s nearly starting time, so sit back, relax if you can and
watch em roll!

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