Roller Derby Classics...and More! (Paperback)

~ Jim Fitzpatrick (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Former professional Roller Derby skater, referee, photographer and fan, Jim Fitzpatrick spent years compiling a huge collection of memorabilia of the original Roller Derby along with some of the outlaw leagues which sprang up over the years. Now for the first time he gives a glimpse into the wild world of banked track mayhem with many rare and never before seen photos. A number of photos had been given to him by his friend and Roller Derby legend, Ann Calvello. Ann wrote the forward to the book. Also a number of soon to be classic photos taken by Jonathan Perry, famed Roller Derby photographer, are included along with a few the author had taken over the years.
Enjoy this look back on a sport which refuses to die. The original Roller Derby ended in 1973 but today still lives on in a number of variations, including the all-girl leagues which now number in the thirties.

About the Author

Jim Fitzpatrick was born and raised in San Francisco. He became hooked on Roller Derby at an early age and went on to skate for the world famous San Francisco Bay Bombers of the International Roller Skating League. While training to make the team he worked on the track construction crew, helping set up and dismantle the banked track (their playing field). During his rookie year, he skated in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A few years later, after suffering a number of shoulder separations, he became a referee. He refereed all the road trips the IRSL made across the country after they combined with Rollermania. He refereed four times in Madison Square Garden. On his last trip to the Garden, he was flown in ahead of time with four other skaters to perform Roller Derby stunts in a music video for MTV. He was also placed in charge of the track construction crew for that game.
After the IRSL folded, he worked for a number of other start-up leagues. In 1993 he made a return to skating. He was chosen as one of eight American skaters selected for the USA All-Star team which competed in a Roller Game World Cup held in Tokyo, Japan.
He is currently married with a lovely wife, Elvie, who he met while in the Philippines. He has two children, Joey and Vanessa, and resides in the Bay Area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (October 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412066786
• ISBN-13: 978-1412066785
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,603,966 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST photo book on roller derby ever published, January 22, 2006

By	Timothy G. Patten "derby lover" (San Diego) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the best and only professional photo journal of the game known as roller derby. It is full of rare photo's that I have never seen before, documenting many decades of the sport through the images of some of it's greatest skating stars.

I have my copy on my living room coffee table. Everyone who visits always picks it up, and enjoy reliving their fondest memories of this very popular sport.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Every Roller Derby Fan!, February 18, 2006

By	George Gong (Vallejo, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There isn't alot written on the subject of Roller Derby. As a matter of fact, there isn't much written in this book, Roller Derby Classics. However what little is written is not only entertaining, it gives a brief background into this author's career as a Roller Derby skater & referee. It also has an introduction ( A Rather Colorful One!) by Ann Calvello, and is written as though she is standing next to you, in a conversation!
The pictures have a caption on the bottom. It is brief yet with the picture tells a thousand stories and brings back many a fond memorary for this Roller Derby fan! Yes, the price of the book is abit steep. However for what it is worth, I am not disappointed by Fitzpatrick's work to make this book possible for ever Roller Derby fan, and those interested in Roller Derby! It is worth every penny! Or worth saving your pennies for!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roller Derby Classics and more!, February 28, 2006

By	Laura Munsiac - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful pictorial history on the original Roller Derby. It brought back many fond memories, not only of the game but the people who skated it. What added to the book was the fact you could tell how much the author loved the sport. After growing up a fan, he tells of later became a professional skater and then a referee. He even included many wonderful photographs he personally took at many of the games along with some behind the scenes shots.

I especially loved seeing the early days of the sport long before I was born. I also appreciated the captions below the photos explaining who the skaters were, the locations and years involved. Often other books included wonderful photographs but supply no helpful info to let you know where or when it took place.

I know the price may be a little steep, but as a collector I have purchased single photos or magazines on E-Bay for over $25 a piece. A book like this containing hundreds of wonderful photos is well worth it!

This is a must book for anyone who grew up loving the Roller Derby. Here's to the good old days!