These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

Goodbye, Derby

In 1973, Jerry Seltzer shut down Roller Derby. A variety of factors caused Jerry to call it quits, including high overhead and gas shortages during the 1973 oil crisis, which made it impossible for teams to travel. Some star skaters were recruited for the Roller Games, but the league’s circus-like approach to Derby became the reason for its demise. Within a year, Roller Derby was done.

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