Roller Derby

Roller Derby, manufactured by Bally in 1939, is a rare and significant electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine. As one of the earliest games produced by Bally, it marked a pivotal moment in the development of pinball as an entertainment medium. The game's release coincided with the growing popularity of roller derby, a contact sport that was gaining traction in the late 1930s. By incorporating this theme, Roller Derby tapped into the cultural zeitgeist and provided players with an immersive experience.

Roller Derby boasts several innovative features for its time. The most notable is the "Skill wave" mechanism, which lights up bumpers in groups from top to bottom as they are hit, creating a sense of progression and challenge. Each bumper scores 1000 points or 1000 when lit, adding an element of strategy to gameplay. Additionally, the machine features passive bumpers, trap holes, and a special feature rollover above the trapped hole, which lights up to score replays.

The artwork on Roller Derby is equally impressive, with a beautifully designed backglass featuring animated roller skaters accompanying displayed point scores. The game's theme and design are a testament to the creative talent of Bally's designers during this period. Although little information is known about its designer, Roller Derby remains an important piece in pinball history, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the sport from its humble beginnings to its modern-day incarnations.