These gals own and run the league themselves. Taking their cue from other women’s leagues from Minnesota to Texas, the Baltimore group is redefining the roller girl of the 21st century as different from the violent vamps made popular by 1970s era shows like Roller Games. The Mobtown Mods, The Night Terrors, The Junkyard Dolls… these are just a few of the teams that compete with the Baltimore-based Charm City Roller Girls, the latest throwback to the bygone era of the American roller derby. Oakland Outlaws team member Racey Lane (L) of the Bay Area Derby Girls is blocked by San Francisco Shevil Dead members Miss Moxxxie and Molly Mayhem. as many as 108, according to Kristin Hendrick, a founding member of Baltimore's Charm City Roller Girls. Today, there are dozens of national derby leagues.
But the 1970s saw derby mania fully revived through popular camp films and television series such as the 1972 film Kansas City Bomber starring Raquel Welch and the staged competitions of Roller Games. World War II put a cramp in the derby's success, with many players drafted and dwindling audiences. The roller derby appeared in over 50 major cities in 1940, playing to more than 5 million spectators, according to National Museum of Roller Skating web site. A violent showmanship soon became a trademark of the derby. Teams were able to earn points by passing members of the rival team with each successive revolution. Sportswriter Damon Runyon added his own flair to the game.
In the late '30s, the derby became more of a contact sport. After the huge success, Seltzer created a derby that toured the country. Thousands flocked to the Chicago Coliseum to see couples teams skate continuously for more than a month, simulating a trip cross country. The roller derby first grew out of an event conceived by sports promoter Leo Seltzer in 1935. roller skating team practice for a 1953 event.