On a chilly Portland evening, the Portland Timbers gave their longtime mascot, Timber Jim, a fitting farewell: a victory. The Timbers beat the Puerto Rico Islanders 1-0 on Thursday night with a goal from forward Chris Brown in the second half. But most of the action was off the field.
Jim Serrill entered the last game of his career as mascot for the Portland Timbers with his signature chainsaw buzzing loudly. And the crowd of nearly 11,000 people went wild.
Timber Jim says he’s retiring because “I’m too old, and too fat.” But spectators saw the grandpa-mascot still dance around for fans like a kid in a candy shop (rope-rappelling and performing front hand-springs to prove it). He was escorted in by a bagpipe parade and ushered out with his granddaughter on his shoulders, tears in his eyes, while fans cheered heartily. The hardcore fans of the Timbers Army displayed a big “Thank you Jim” banner with all of their signatures. “Don’t go, Timber Jim,” one fan pleaded.
The Timbers said goodbye to their number one fan with class. At halftime, Timber Jim was given a lifetime pass, had his number retired, and was given a framed shirt with the team’s signatures. When veteran Timbers forward Andrew Gregor came out to give him a hug from the entire team, tears started falling from the burly chainsaw-wielding mascot.
Timber Jim also got to address the team before the game.
When asked what he told the players, Timber Jim said only, “I told them I love them.” That’s clear.
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"When asked what he told the players, Timber Jim said only, ‘I told them I love them.’"
Seem to have something… in my eye.
He is a true sports legend.
I was there last night and it was a very emotional moment. Timber Jim will be greatly missed as a mascot but we will all be very happy to see him sitting with us as a spectator and cheering on the team!
timber jim represented the best of portland and oregon. Working class values and a big open heart. ..lets take out those creepy smiling face sculptures in front of PGE park and build a lasting tribute to a legend instead.