[TXnMA]

On a totally different -- and personal -- note, what is your connection with the queen of the sport that first made TV a "must watch" sports medium? (Yes, I remember watching her -- on a tiny B&W screen...)

I'm saddened to learn that Anna Theresa Calvello is no longer with us.

[HitmanLV]

I'm 38, so too young to remember anything but the last gasps of Roller Derby & its strange sibling, Rollergames. In the early 70s. The game did exist in some forms into the 1980s but I missed the glory days. :(

I am a lifelong fan of Roller Derby though and devoured anything I could on the subject. Awesome stuff.

I keep an eye on the game (we lost the LA Thunderbirds' Ralphie Valledieres about a year and a half ago), and its showing some signs of revival but I don't think it will happen.

Ann Theresa Calvello was a classic, one of a kind character. All personality and all talent. She is one of the truly iconic figures in Roller Derby history (and in a lot of ways, American Culture). I have no personal connection with her, but I have some videos and the documentary made about her a few years ago.

She passed away in Mid March and it got some mainstream press, but not nearly enough in my book. I am a big pro wrestling fan since childhood (saw my first match on Ch 47 in NYC, back in 1975 at the tender age of 7 and have been hooked ever since), and a wrestling newsletter I subscribe to did a huge obituary/bio/tribute to her, which was very insightful. If you want a copy of it, just let me know.

I never had the pleasure of meeting her, though I always wanted to. I'm just one of the last fans of the sport she helped make great. So long, Ann!!! You are missed!