By Cesar Diaz – NEW YORK, NY (Apr 29, 2011) US Soccer Players -- Playing their first home game of the 2011 MLS season on Thursday, April 14th, the Portland Timbers and their fans served noticed to every MLS team that winning a match at JELD-WEN Field is going to be extremely difficult.
From the beginning until the end, it was all Portland. It started with the fans singing the National Anthem and ended with the Timbers convincingly extinguishing the Chicago Fire 4-2. With that kind of home debut, the Timbers and their fans demonstrated to the entire league that they are indeed Soccer City USA.
One individual who also played a pivotal role that evening was none other than the Portland Timbers mascot, Timber Joey. Following the tradition of Timber Jim, Timber Joey is now is responsible for cutting of the “log slab.” What’s that? I’ll let the Portland Timbers website explain.
“After each goal scored by the Timbers at JELD-WEN Field, a slice is cut from the victory log behind the north goal and celebrated in a cloud of sawdust and cheered by the roar of a chainsaw and thousands of voices. The log slab is then paraded through the stands, and ultimately, presented to its rightful owner – the goal scorer – in a post-game ceremony.”
With two home games under his belt in the MLS era, US Soccer Players poke with Timber Joey about the club, its fans, and what it takes to be allowed to operate a chainsaw in a soccer stadium.
How did you become the Portland Timbers Official Mascot? What was the process?
I have been a Timbers Supporter (Timbers Army) since 2004 and I was, and still am, a huge Timber Jim fan. I grew up in a logging town and participated in logging skills competitions. Watching Jim perform reminded me of home. When I saw on the news that he was retiring I began calling, texting, and emailing every connection I had to get my foot in the door. After a number of interviews and a few “tryout” games, Jim handed me his jersey. It was a fairly emotional and exciting day!
What is it like following in the footsteps of Timber Jim and his legacy to the Portland Timbers?
It is amazing. As far as the mascot position, Jim blazed a trail for me with the Timbers and the sport of soccer in the United States. His act has been seen by people around the world and is enjoyed by all. I have been so blessed to be able to carry on the tradition of “Spreading the Love”
What thoughts and feelings were going through your mind when you were officially introduced during halftime of a Timbers exhibition match against Italy's Juventus Primavera on June 14, 2008?
It was so exciting. Jim and I repelled out of the rafters and ran to the field to do “We are the Timbers!” It was the first and only time so far I forgot the words to a chant…. huge rush of adrenaline. During halftime he handed me his jersey with tears in his eyes. I hope looking back when my run is complete he is proud of the job I will have done.
How is Timber Joey involved in the Portland Community?
My position with the Timbers has given me so many wonderful opportunities. I have had the pleasure of traveling to all the children’s hospitals in the area to visit with sick and injured kids, I get to visit schools to talk about safety. This year we’ll start talking to them about health and fitness. Also, I get to work with non-profits throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, helping to raise money and awareness for issues that effect a lot of people in our community.
Describe the atmosphere and energy at JELD-WEN Field during the Timbers monumental home match against the Chicago Fire?
There are too many words to describe our home opening weekend. It was incredible. The excitement has built throughout the community over past two years of city council meetings, task force meetings, MLS announcements, sponsorship announcements, player announcements and our gates opening for the first time in our new stadium. The great thing is than not every fan has been able to experience a game live yet, so the excitement will only grow with every game.
What's it like sawing off a slab off a log following every Timbers goal in front of Timber fans and then presenting the slice to the goal-scorer in a post-match ritual? How did you feel after sawing off 7 logs in two games?
Our goal celebration is the most unique and amazing goal celebration around. All the energy in the crowd is funneled through my veins while cutting the slabs, and lifting that slab high in the air is an act that fires that energy and excitement back to the fans. I fell in love with our team and the sport of soccer because of Jim’s goal celebration and I hope I can draw fans in the same way I was.
I am honored to present the slabs to the players after matches. They are well-deserved trophies and symbols of their hard work and good play. Having every player involved is a great way to show how much we love our team.
I would have never dreamed that I would cut 7 slabs of wet, knotty wood in four days. The first two games were incredible and I hope the average continues.
What do you think makes Portland "Soccer City USA?"
The thousands of soccer players and fans that get to a pitch every week. As a kid in the Corvallis area, you would see thousands of people turn out every Saturday at Western Middle School. Soccer is a big part of most people’s lives in Oregon, even if they do not realize it. Everyone can play the sport and it only takes a ball.
Cesar Diaz is a Columnist for USSoccerPlayers.com. In addition, he covers soccer for LatinoSports.com. Easily accessible, you may contact Cesar at cesar@latinosports.com and at Twitter @CoveringSoccer.
