Roller Derby, for those who don’t know, is more than just Hot Chicks In Cute Outfits Hitting Each Other. It’s actually Hot Chicks In Cute Outfits Hitting Each Other And Playing A Sport That Requires Skill And Stamina.

The players range in age from 19 to mid 40’s, and come from all walks of life. Their fans are rabid, and range from everyday suburban moms (and grandmas) to rockabilly hipsters, bikers and lawyers. 

Much like the way baseball used to be in its glory days, Roller Derby is the great equalizer. Tickets are inexpensive.  And in this case, the players do not get paid. In fact they pay to play, investing in the game as much as the culture in a massive grass roots effort. And they’re happy to sign autographs for adoring fans after the game.

And while I didn’t get any autographs, I did become a bigger fan of derby after watching The Cincinnati Rollergirls lay waste to Grand Rapids in two different matches this past Saturday. Over 1,300 people in attendance and more than 500 watching the live stream online. Here are some blurry photos, and beneath it, some links to learn more about the game.

http://www.derbynewsnetwork.com/

Cincinnati Rollergirl Missprint’s excellent derby blog.