Johnny Karpovich was Chicago born, served in the military during World War
11, joined Derby in January, 1948, was made a captain a year-and-a-half
later, skating mostly with the Jersey Jolters, then became a great infield
manager. He also designed many tracks and gave much to the game and met his
lovely bride, Kay, while skating in Derby and was always surrounded by his
very large and loving family.

I’m happy that when the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame reopened in
2004, we celebrated one of Derby’s unsung heros by inducting Johnny Karp into
the HOF. We will celebate his life and accomplishments for all time and I
know everyone will be saddened to hear of this loss.

I’m sure everyone offers their sympathies and prayers for Kay and the
entire family who have lost the leader of their pack.

Gary Powers
RDHOF

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=347931&ca=Sports

http://www.fracturemag.com/derby/derby/oxnard-derby-dames

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/02/20/entertainment/doc499d7ae217f95551824479.txt

http://steady-burn.blogspot.com/2008/08/happy-anniversary-roller-derby.html

Mos Deathly

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=83840133578&mid=8eb043G277df080G24c6b9bG7

Referee Groups:
Hell City Hooligans (Philly/NJ)
Jersey Shore Roller Girls (Asbury Park, NJ)
Man’s Ruin Roller Derby (Chester, NY)
Morristown Madams (Morristown, NJ)
Richmond Derby Demons (Richmond, VA)
Penn Jersey She-Devils (Philly/NJ)
South Jersey Derby (South Jersey)

Sponsors:
Alton Motel
Black-Eyed Susan Skateshop
Cosmic Impressions
Newskates.com
JW Transportation
Wildwood Chamber of Commerce
Wildwood Harley-Davidson

Publicity:
The AC Press
The Food Network & Dinner Impossible
The Shark

Vendors:
Riedell Skates
Roller Derby Depot (We love Dick Dale!)
StateofMind/Rollerbomb

Announcers:
Chello
Mick
Sean Patrick
Judy Sowinski
Maschine

Photographers:
King Taco and James Knight

Bands:
Boy with Robot
KFM
Bamboo Shoots

AND OUR FANTASTIC EMTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please forgive me if I forget you — it was a long weekend with little sleep…ZZZzzzzz

From CCRE

Anyone interested in taking the test, drop by, 9 PM, with you two forms $5.00 fee, pen/pencil, and knowledge of the rules.

There is a mistake in the rules, which was corrected in the rule book that was available at the CCRE. Under LAST JAM OF THE GAME it states, “during the last jam of the 4th period”, it should read, “during the last jam of the game”.

In a “old school game”, 8 period game, this would accord ONLY in the 8th period, jam running full 90 seconds, not in the 4th and 8th period. Sorry for the confusion, the mistake was not caught until the booklets were printed.

Head Referee test is in the process of being written up.

Please review the steps outlined in the Certification Process to become a Certified OSDA Referee. Those forms are to be handed to the Head Referee at all OSDA sanctioned games to be signed. This is not happening at most of these games. A sanctioned game is one that is officiated by a Certified Head Referee.

If you weren’t lucky enough to be there to take part in their great blocking and jamming workshops, and truly funtastic roller derby games, all of which took place in the best roller derby venue we have seen yet - on the beach, inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, beside the flashing lights of the midway - you can do the next best thing and watch for it in an upcoming episode of Food Network’s “Dinner Impossible,” scheduled to air in the upcoming season.

Generosity was what was truly colossal about this roller derby expo.  The men and women of OSDA welcomed vets and newbies alike, and served up giant plates of whoop ass to all comers on the track.  After the final whistle blew, everyone in the hall,  including the entire audience, sat down to a gourmet meal of 20 different food items whipped up by Chef Robert Irvine and the roller girls of OSDA.

Skating by OSDA rules was a first for Mibbs Breakin’ Ribs, Siouxsie Slaughter and Marzipain, who all participated in the All Star Game of Sharks v. Stingrays, which included men and women, competing in alternating periods, from the Richmond Derby Demons, Mans Ruin Roller Derby, Hooligans Roller Derby, Penn Jersey She Devils, South Jersey Deviants, and South Jersey Derby Girls.  It was an absolute blast and BESSS will be there again next year!

Black Eyed Susan Skate Shop

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=662564992&ref=profile#/album.php?aid=96011&id=552341287&ref=mf

Cape May Article

The Sadistic Sweethearts remain a dominant team with co-captains Lucky Luciano and Miss Chievous, an original Sweetheart who skated in 2008 on Dishonor Roll.  Dishonor Roll is co-captained by veterans Goody Two Skates, one of the original Penn Jersey She Devil skaters and Classy Chassis, last year’s OSDA Championship Women’s MVP.

This was a very intense game and this old-school fan saw a questionable block or two but tempers will fly in Roller Derby.

Highlights were the amazing jamming of Sweetheart Sloppy Jo with 31 points and Dishonor Roll rookie Hellanor Roll sevelt with a game high 33.  There is no question that these two young ladies are quickly becoming All-Star jammers.  Sloppy Jo has that intense game face that makes her a real pleasure to watch.

Also scoring in double digits were:  Sweetheart’s Shampain with 16 points, Miss Chievous with 11 points and Lucky Luciano with 10 points.

Showing a great deal of improvement over last season is Sweetheart Wanda Riot.  Wanda has been hitting the gym and the weight loss is very noticeable.  Her speed and endurance has improved along with her blocking skills which have come a long way.  She can be a terror out there.

It was great to see Clobberella back in action after taking a nasty fall during practice in Deptford earlier this season.

The next game in Mt. Laurel is June 27th and it will be a double header featuring PJSD against South Jersey Derby Girls.

Jersey Joe

WELCOME TO ROLLER DERBY WEEKEND!
Roller derby takes over the island of Wildwood, NJ, for a weekend of
derby fun, sun and surf!

Infamous for its wild-themed weekends, the city will be filled to the
brim with more derby action than odor eaters in a derby girl’s skate
bag.

Get your tickets at Ticketmaster!
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02004282F6B25F91?artistid=1312877&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=102

This is event WILL sell out!!!

Friday, May 8th:

Workshop Agenda (All at Wildwood Harley-Davidson):
9:30 AM-11 AM: Boot Camp
LUNCH BREAK 11-1
1 PM: Beginner 101 (Parking Lot A)
1 PM: Advanced Jamming (Parking Lot B)
2 PM: Advanced Blocking (Parking Lot B)
3 PM: Advanced Assisting (Parking Lot B)
4 PM: Skate Maintenance (Parking Lot A)
4 PM: Reffing Symposium (Alton Motel)
5-6PM: Game Play & Strategy (Alton Motel)

After Hours
6:30-8:30PM Free Cocktail Mixer and Reception at the Wharf with door prizes
9PM-12PM Derby Movie, Drinks, Party and Pizza on the Alton Motel Roof
Top Sun Deck

Saturday, May 9th
***Saturday’s event will be televised on the Food Network for a very
special show with a celebrity chef!*** Eight lucky derby girls will be
co-hosting the show!!
- Event WILL be SOLD OUT!!
- Vendor Mall All-Day

10AM-11AM Derby Parade (in front of Convention Center)
11AM - Skaters for Rookie Game report to West Hall of Convention
Center for warm ups, stretching, and preparation.
12PM - Doors open to public — Filming begins.
12:30PM-2PM - Rookie Female Game
2:30-4PM - Intermediate Female Game
4:30-6PM-Intermediate Female Bout
6:30-9PM MAIN EVENT All-Star Game
(Rotating periods of men and women)
After Hours 9:30-12PM After Party: Pool Party & BBQ - featuring live
music — Alton Motel.

Sunday, May 10th
10AM-12PM Outdoor Open Scrimmages - free to public at Wildwood Harley-Davidson

Depart

This was another excellent, hard skated game between two well balanced teams.  In the end, the red team defeated the black team by a score of  59 - 51.  Until the final period, the score was tied at least five times and went back and forth for the lead.  High scorers were Wags with 27 points for the winning Red team and Classy Chassis with 22 points for the Black team. 

This was the 2^nd year that the PJSD’s skated a game for the military men and women of Ft. Dix and by all indications it won’t be the last.  The bleechers were full and the crowd was very enthusiastic and appreciative of the skater’s skills.

The next PJSD game is scheduled for Saturday, April 25^th at Mt. Laurel’s International Sports Centre and will feature the Sadistic Sweethearts vs. Dishonor Roll.  Will the Sadistic Sweethearts rank at the top of the list again or will the newly revamped Dishonor Roll surprise everyone and be this year’s winners? 

You’ll just have to go to the games and check it out!    

Red Team: 59
LateTBug- 5
Wags- 27
Miss Chievous- 14
Beast of Burton-
Wanda Riot-
Miss Fat Bootty-
Shilleleigh Law-
Moes Deathly- 12
Lucky Luciano- 1
Penalties:
1 min:
Wanda Riot- 2
Lucky Luciano- 2

Black Team: 51
Cheddar- 1
Maschine-
Deuces Wild- 2
Hard Licker-
Neurotic Nightingale-
Classy Chassis- 22
Billy Rae Siren- 20
Goody Two Skates- 7
Penalties:
1 min:
Deuces Wild- 1
Hard Licker- 1
Billy Rae Siren- 1
Jersey Joe

It was a really fun game and we love skating for people who do so much for our country.  This is the one game of the year I always want to skate every year.   I hope we get to play another game at the base this year.

Thank you!

Maschine #15 - PJSD / Hooligans

Prices are:

$10 students

$10 Military

$15 everyone else

Kids under 10 free

It’s gonna be $20 at the door.

Tickets Online

MAY 9TH, 2009

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Derby Parade: 10 AM (in front of Convention Center)
12:30 PM-2PM - Rookie Female Game
2:30-4PM - Intermediate Female Game
4:30-6PM-Intermediate Female Game
6:30-9PM All-Star Old School-Style Game
(Rotating periods of men and women)

Victor Villanueva and AlohaLinda’s mother ask that the news of her passing
yesterday be known in the Roller Derby community…

That would be my sister, She skated til the death of my older brother Leo back
in 1975. My sister passed away yesterday and if you know anyone who may know
her, Please pass the word that she is no longer among us..

Happy birthday to Roller Derby’s founding father, Leo Seltzer.
Gary Powers

Periods are now 15 minutes in length. The game is now 4 - 15 minute periods.

Last jam of the 4TH period will run the full 90 seconds if a Jammer can break the pack with any time left on the Game Clock. Another Derby old school rule. If the Jammer can not break the pack before the Game Clock runs down, the game is over.

Skip Schoen
Director
Referee Training & Certification

Highlights:  Team Kim’s captain Lucky Luciano’s blocking was the best I’ve seen in an OSDA game yet.  She paved the way for
her jammers and definitely helped her team score their winning 45 points.  Sloppy Jo has become a top jammer posting a game high
23 points.  Love that “game face” she wears on the jam!  Red Ranger is always a great two-way skater.  A speedy jammer (scoring 10
points himself) and a very effective blocker.  Gotta love those pivot blocks.

The losing Red Ribbons scored a total 29 points and even had the game nearly tied up on a few occasions in the game.  High scorer
Wags posted 16 points while excellent rookie Hellanor Rollsevelt scored 8 points in her first OSDA game.  She was a crowd favorite
and everyone noticed that she’s quite a pretty young lady.  It should also be noted that Goody Two Skates has a great ability to move people out of the way for her jammers with great finesse.  She doesn’t plow people over, she just moves them out of the way making it easy for her jammers to pass for a point.

Towards the end of the game, tempers flared and there was a brief fight between Team Kim’s Shampain and Red Ribbons’ Classy Chassis. Both skaters were ejected from the game but after the game all was left on the track.  Handled like true professionals!
I’m definitely looking forward to the upcoming games in Ft. Dix (April 9th) and  Mt. Laurel (April 25th).

– Jersey Joe 

Old School Fan

Team Kim
Points
Sloppy Jo- 23
Red Ranger- 10
Deuces Wild- 8
Lucky Luciano- 2
Miss Chievous- 2
Total Points- 45

Penalties
Red Ranger- 2 minors
Sloppy Jo- 2 minors
Miss Chievous- 2 minors (one was a team penalty)
Lucky Luciano- 1 minor
Baby Skates Nelson- 1 minor
Wanda Riot- 1 minor
Shampain- expelled from game
Total Penalties- 9 minors, 1 expulsion

Red Ribbons
Points
Wags- 16
Hellanor Rollsevelt-8
Goody Two Skates- 3
Vidal Boom Boom- 2
Total Points- 29

Penalties
Classy Chassis- 1 minor, expelled from game
Total Penalties- 1 minor, 1 expulsion
ActionAIDS

Next Game:  Sat April 25th 7:30 doors Sadistic Sweethearts vs Dishonor Roll
ISC, 1 Hovtech Blvd, Mt Laurel, NJ

Red Ribbons (Red)

Vidal Boom Boom #82
Freudy N Slip #101
Wags #22 - Co-Captain
Rockets Redglare #1812
Hellanor Rollsevelt #29
Goody Two Skates #33 - Captain
Mace Kelly #40
Classy Chasis #53
(LOST)

Team Kim (Black)

Lucky Luciano #121 - Captain
Miss Chievious #14
Sky Scrape Her #6′2
Wanda Riot #37
Deuces Wild #2222
Red Ranger #122 - Co-Captain
Sloppy Jo #MMM
ShamPain #11
Baby Skates Nelson #.357

Referees: Skip Schoen, Big John, Hard Licker, Rebel Yell, Corporal Sadistic

Referees from South Jersey and PJSD

Announcers:  Judy Sowinski and D-Maschine

Practice Night: Monday and Thursday
Practice Time: 8-10pm
Practice Location: 4902 Williamsburg Rd., Richmond, VA
Open Days: Mon-Sun
Cost: Free to visitors, $40 a month to members
Recommended Equipment: Knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, mouthguard
Insurance/Waiver: Sign at rink when you attend
Open to:  Female, Male, CoEd, Refs, All

Penn Jersey She Devils

Practice Night: Monday and Wednesday
Practice Time: 9-11pm
Practice Location:  Jamz, Roosevelt Blvd/Rt 1, Philly, PA
Cost: Free to visitors, $35 a month to members
Recommended Equipment: Knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, mouthguard
Insurance/Waiver: Sign at rink when you attend
Open to:  Female, Male, CoEd, Refs, All

Man’s Ruin Roller Derby

Practice Night:  Sunday and Tuesday
Practice Time: Varies
Practice Location:  The Castle, Chester, NY
Cost: ?
Recommended Equipment: Knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, mouthguard
Insurance/Waiver: Sign at rink when you attend
Open to:  Female, Male, CoEd, Refs, All

South Jersey Roller Derby

Practice Night: Varies
Practice Time: Varies
Practice Location:  Deptford Skating Center, Westville, NJ
Cost: ?
Recommended Equipment: Knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, mouthguard
Insurance/Waiver: Sign at rink when you attend
Open to:  Female, Male, CoEd, Refs, All

Valley Fever Roller Demons

Practice Night: Varies
Practice Time: Varies
Practice Location:  Arizona
Cost: ?
Recommended Equipment: Knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, mouthguard
Insurance/Waiver: Sign at rink when you attend
Open to:  Female, Male, CoEd, Refs, All

‘Flash’ Bogash started out as a team with his mother, fellow Roller
Derby Hall of Fame skater Josephine ‘Ma’ Bogash. He was also a coach and
popular player representative for the sport.

By Dennis McLellan

March 27 2009

Bill Bogash, a pioneer Roller Derby star who launched his legendary
career on skates as a teenager during the Great Depression when he
teamed up with his mother, has died. He was 92.

The complete article can be viewed at:

Billy Bogash Obituary
Bill Bogash Memorial

http://www.rollersoccer.com/

RollerSoccer International Federation official announcement:

2009 RollerSoccer World Cup
6-9 August 2009
Brussels, Belgium

Hosted by: Shinobis Rider’s Association (shinobis_riders@hotmail.com)

Potential participants include: Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, England, France (Caen, Marseille, Paris, Toulon), Germany, Italy (Roma), Netherlands, Norway, USA (2 teams)

Sports Facility:
Centre Omnisport de Laeken
Rue du Champ de l’Eglise 73/89
1020 Bruxelles (Laeken)
http://www.bruxelles.be/artdet.cfm/4616

Suggestions for Lodging:
‘Génération Europe’
Rue de l’Eléphant, 4 - B 1080 Bruxelles
web : http://www.laj.be
Tél. +32 (0)2 410 38 58
Fax +32 (0)2 410 39 05

Tarifs individuel

Chambre confort (sanitaires privés)

Chambre de
6 pers. et + 16,40 €

Chambre de
4 pers. et + 18,50 €
Double 22,80 €
Single 32,00 €

Groupes
Prix unique de 18,50€ (nuitées et petits déjeuners) pour les membres du groupe logés en chambre de plus de 4 personnes.
Gratuité (hébergement et repas) pour le chauffeur
———————————————————-

‘Jacques Brel’
Rue de la sablonnieère, 30 - B 1000 Bruxelles
T: +32(0)2 218 01 87/ F: +32 (0)2 217 20 05
http://www.gitesdetape.be/

Tarifs individuel

Chambre standard (sanitaires communs)

Chambre de
6 pers. et + 16,40 € -
Chambre de
3 ou 4 pers. 18,50 € -

Chambre confort
(sanitaires privés)

Double - 22,80 €
Single - 32,00 €
——————————

—————————-
SLEEP WELL YOUTH HOSTEL

Rue du Damier, 23 - 1000 Bruxelles
Dambordstraat, 23 - 1000 Brussel
http://www.sleepwell.be/FR/bienvenue.html
tel : + 32 2 218 50 50
fax : + 32 2 218 13 13
Tarifs
• chambre single : 29-40 €/lit
• chambre 2 lits : 22-58 €/lit
• chambre 3 lits : 19 €/lit
• chambre 4 lits : 17 €/lit
• chambre 6 lits : 16 €/lit
• chambre 8 lits : 13,50 €/lit

Prix par personne. Conditions groupes :
minimum 15 participants.
Logement
Minimum 2 nuits. Petit déjeuner et draps
compris dans le prix.
1re nuit : 20,10 €
Nuits suivantes : 16,00 €
Seulement 1 nuit : 23,20 €
Repas chaud : 8,25 €
Panier pic-nic : 5,30 €
———————————————————-
Van Gogh – CHAB
Rue Traversière 8 - 1210 Bruxelles
Dwarsstraat 8 - 1210 Brussel
http://www.chab.be
tel : + 32 2 217 01 58
fax : + 32 2 219 79 95

Tarifs
• chambre single : 30 €/lit
• chambre 2 lits : 23 €/lit
• chambre 4 lits : 18 €/lit
• chambre 6-8 lits : 16,50 €/lit
• chambre 8-10 lits : 14,50 €/lit
———————————————————-
Bruegel
Rue Saint-Esprit 2 - 1000 Bruxelles
Heilige Geeststraat 2 - 1000 Brussel
web : http://www.vjh.be
tel : +32 2 511 04 36
fax : +32 2 512 07 11

Tarifs
• chambre single : 32 €/lit
• chambre 2 lits : 22,8 €/lit
• chambre 3-4 lits : 18.6 €/lit

from

http://www.logerjeune.be/-Ou-loger-.html

and

http://www.brusselsinternational.be/wabxlint/fr/visiteur/loger/logement-jeune-bruxelles.act

Many fans got to know her during the transformative part of her Roller Derby career, when she started skating ‘red’ in the early 60s, instantly becoming one of the most famous skaters in the history of the sport, but those of us who got to spend time with her, got to know Ann up close and personal, were privileged to see the vulnerable little girl who was always fighting to be seen… and yes, that was the Calvello we came to love and protect.

She first called me ‘L.A.’ for ‘Lily-Assed, ‘ because I was afraid to call her. I mean, she WAS Ann Calvello, for God’s sake! Then later, she started calling me the ‘Golden Boy’ and yep, she had a nickname for everyone. Because of what had happened to her in life, she could immediately recognize the good guys from the phonies. Unlike what she did on the banked track, in real life, she pulled no punches. She told it like it was and if that was a character flaw, so be it… she was true to herself, confronting harsh realities, cutting to the chase, defining the truth as she saw it (and she always seemed to be right on target…) as an expression of her love.

Anna Theresa, that’s what I always called her, had overcome one obstacle after another during her long, colorful, unique journey thru life. If others felt sorry for what had happened to her, she never did. When she left us three years ago, a few began rewriting the history of Ann’s life, something she would never have allowed when she was alive and there are always reasons some rewrite a story, but those who know the truth… still know the truth. It’s not always pretty or perfect or pure, but it’s true, a word Calvello loved.

When I met her, I needed a mother and she needed someone to mother. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know Ann so intimately during the last years of her life. I think of her every day and still miss her. She may be gone, but she’s still a strong presence in my life and will always live, LARGER THAN LIFE, in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. That’s the ultimate gift she left us with…

May she rest in peace and may the bright light that was Anna Theresa Calvello always show each of us the way.
Gary P.

RULE CHANGES FOR 2009 SEASON

Elimination of Jammers’ starting line

The Jammers will now start at the rear of the pack, directly behind the last row of Blockers. This eliminates the Jammers’ starting line behind the pack.

When the pack is formed, Pivots at the front of the pack, followed by the Blockers with the Jammers directly behind, one whistle will be blown. All skaters will start to move/skate at the same time.

Jammers will still have 90 seconds to circle the track and pass as many opposing skaters as possible to score points.

Length of Periods/ Number of Periods in Game

Effective immediately the number of periods in a game and the length of the periods will change.

The game now is comprised of 4 periods of play. Each period will now be 15 minutes in length. Jam time will still be set at 90 seconds.

The game will still be a 60-minute game. The time in between periods is still at the individual leagues’ discretion.

LAST JAM OF THE GAME

If a Jammer breaks out of the pack during the last jam of the 4 TH
period of each game and there is less than 90 seconds left on the
clock, the jam will run the entire 90 seconds or until the lead Jammer
cuts off the jam.

If a Jammer does not break out the pack, the clock time will run down and the game is officially ended

When the Jammer has broken/gets out of the pack to signal a jam starting, the Jammer Referees will call out to the Skaters that “The jam will run the full 90 seconds” and repeat this loudly. This will be repeated several times, to make sure the Skaters have heard the heard the announcement. The Announcer should also announce this to the fans, so once again the Skaters will hear the announcement once again.

When the period/game clock runs down, the jam will continue until the full 90 seconds has elapsed or the Lead Jammer has called off the jam. Any points scored by either team on this jam will be added to their scores.

The Head Referee will signal the end of the jam/game by one long whistle when the 90 second jam time has elapsed and/or when the Lead Jammer has called off the jam. The Jammer Referee will also blow his/her whistle when the Lead Jammer has called off the jam.

 Team Photos

Derby Memoirs

Old School Blog

The lineups contained male and female skaters from three OSDA leagues and a new league in Virginia, the Renegades.

Team 1:  Salad Bar Brawlers

Captain #112 That Kid Kenny - SJDD

Co-Captain #46&2 Demalisha Durga - RDD

#33 1/2 Chainsaw - PJSD

#53 Classy Chassis - PJSD

#3000 Sloppy Jo - PJSD

Scar Leigh - Renegades

#22 - Wags - PJSD

#SR23 - Chelsey Hately - SJDG

#16 - Mos Deathly - SJDG

#PI - Breakher Baker - SJDG

#37 - Wanda Riot - PJSD

#B9 - Lady and the Trample - SJDG

Another Renegade Skater

Team 2: Line Cutters

Captain - #121 - Lucky Luciano - PJSD

Co-Captain - #IIII - Henry Rollin’ - PJSD

Cloberella - PJSD

#14 - Miss Chievious - PJSD

#122 - Red Ranger - PJSD

#1 Hit Wonder - Billy Rae Siren - SJDG

#15 - Hard Licker - PJSD

Sky Scrapeher - PJSD

#82 - Vidal Boom Boom - PJSD

#3 to 5 - Pounder Faye Sin - SJDG

#SQUARE - Square Cat - RDD

#2222 - Deuces Wild - PJSD

#13×3 - Mist3r Mayh3m - RDD

This was the first game skater in Ashton, PA’s CN Skate Palace and also the first one of 2009 and also the first one using the throwback rules of jammers starting with the pack and four 15 minute periods.

Calvello, of course, had a way of dominating every moment she was on
the track, not only with her skating ability, but simply with her very
presence, but the same was true for this bald skater named Bob Hein,
who the announcer called the ‘Bald Eagle.’ He seemed to know exactly
what to do to infuriate the Warriors and their fans, skating ‘dirty,’
yet having the skating talent to confound his opponents. Bob ‘Bald
Eagle’ Hein seemed to be able to dominate the game with incredible
skating while selling the sport and always making fans hunger for
more. The spotlight was always on him, eventhough it was always about
the game to Bob. He was the ultimate ‘company skater’ and few could
do it better than ‘Heinzy.’

Back in ‘67, I didn’t know Bob Hein had been a Derby MVP in the mid
60s. Calvello claimed she was the one who suggested that Bob shave
his head to create a more distinctive persona. He was one of those
skaters who could move from the original Derby to National with ease
since he possessed both the skating chops and personality to be a big
star in both leagues. It was fan Marc Stern who pointed out that Bob
wore #57 on the IRDL Pioneers so he could be ‘Heinz 57.’

And he was one of those skaters who simply disappeared once his
skating career was over and it was with sadness that I discovered he
had passed away. I regret I never got to meet him so I could tell him
what an impact he had on so many fans the world over, but from talking
with skaters over the years, he was loved like few others and that’s
the true mark of a life well-lived.

Today would have been Bob Hein’s 73rd birthday and eventhough he’s
gone, his distinctive style and presence in Roller Derby will never be
forgotten. He was a Derby original who could sell the game and do
whatever was required to give fans their moneys worth. Thank you, Bob
Hein. Derby’s ‘Bald Eagle’ will never be forgotten as long as there
are fans who celebrate this game and the phenomenal athletes who made
the game so great. May he rest in peace.
Gary P.

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Here at Roller Derby Foundation, we’re always bringing THE BEST in Roller Derby MEMORABILIA to true fans the world over as we continue to GIVE BACK to these GREAT STARS of the game, bringing fans & former skaters together to CELEBRATE the banked track sport.  And we are ALWAYS open to enouraging & supporting any of the all-girl FLAT TRACK leagues when they express interest in the history of the sport!!!  And one of the MOST COLORFUL  STARS in the history of the sport was the WILD & UNPREDICTABLE Ann Calvello known as ‘QUEEN OF THE PENALTY BOX’!!!!  So this week, we’re pleased to offer ANN CALVELLO’s game-worn SHORTS!!!!!  This San Francisco native was born in Newport, Rhode Island on August 1, 1929, joined Roller Derby in 1948 and within six months was acting captain of the PHILADELPHIA PANTHERS!!!!  She later skated with the NEW YORK CHIEFS & SAN FRANCISCO BAY BOMBERS before going ‘red’ in 1960, skating with the BROOKLYN RED DEVILS, beginning a career as one of the greatest ‘red shirt’ female stars the game ever saw!!!!  Anna Theresa Calvello was Roller Derby’s greatest ambassador, GIVING BACK to the game in a career that lasted over SEVEN DECADES!!!!  She left us on March 14, 2006, but her indomitable SPIRIT & ENERGY lives on… and here’s your chance to own a part of Roller Derby history by BIDDING & WINNING Calvello’s shorts!!!!!  These shorts, obviously worn in many games but still in tact, were made by SAND-KNIT, are SIZE 30, has a working zipper and two snap buttons on the top!!!!  CALVELLO donated these shorts to Roller Derby Foundation back in 2001 and we know she’d be more than delighted knowing they’d be worn by another generation of skaters or in the hands of a longtime fan!  And come to think of it… won’t these shorts look great on your favorite flat-track roller derby gal?  And probably when she’s wearing these, she’ll either be league MVP or another ‘Queen of the Penalty Box’!!!???  As you can see from the scan, Ann put her initials on the inside waist band of these shorts.  She probably wore these shorts when leading the OHIO JOLTERS & SOUTHWEST RED DEVILS or another of her many teams and if not worn, they’ll look great when framed with a photo of the Roller Derby Hall-of-Famer!!!!  BID TODAY!!!!  The lucky HIGH BIDDER agrees to pay $7 for PRIORITY shipping.