Pivots, Blockers, and Jammers: The History of Roller Derby

Written by Michella Marino and BackStories

Narrated by Michella Marino and Deanna Anthony

You’ve seen it represented in film and TV. Maybe you’re one of the thousands to see it in person. It’s roller derby, the one-of-a-kind sport established in twentieth century America. But outside roller derby fans and competitors, the history of roller derby is not well-understood — misconceptions about the nature of the game abound, and its history has largely been neglected by the mainstream.

To clear up the record and learn more about this fascinating sport, Scribd sat down with Michella Marino, the deputy director of the Indiana Historical Bureau and author of Roller Derby: The History of an American Sport. Marino discussed the pre- and early history of roller derby; conceptions of image and identity in the sport; roller derby’s relationship to women and gender; and a little bit about the modern roller derby.

Sports fans, pop culture lovers, and casual students of media will find a wealth of fascinating information in Pivots, Blockers, and Jammers. Let’s get ready to roll.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BackStories
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094455433

Michella Marino

Michella M. Marino is the author of Roller Derby: The History of An American Sport and the deputy director of the Indiana Historical Bureau.. She grew up in Morristown, Indiana, a small town located on Highway 52 in Shelby County that has a surprising number of restaurants specializing in fried chicken.