Timber Jim takes a bow

April 17th dawned cool and damp. The air was electric with excitement. The words on everyone's mouth: "Timbers Opening Night." With high spirits and the first of our season tickets clutched in our trembling hands my buddy Jake and I entered the soccer cathedral that is PGE park for the spectacle that is the beautiful game.

As Portland's USL League 1 team, the Timbers have a varied history dating back to the early 70's, much like myself. 2008 finds the Timbers without our star keeper and striker (both stolen by the LA Galaxy) but with Takayuki Suzuki who has played in both the World Cup and UEFA Champions League. (Note: This is when those who find soccer to be less than stimulating often glaze over and begin staring at wall behind me, perhaps finding solace in the cracked plaster beyond). With our newly reinforced roster the Timber's took to the field for the first game of the season against the Puerto Rico Islanders (creative name to be sure). The Timbers looked fit after a month of pre-season training in their traditional green and white.

Suzuki enters stage right.

But the real drama of the night was the farewell to Timber Jim. He has been the team mascot for the past 20 years (with a decade break when the team was defunct) and is an institution. He leads the crowd in cheers and taunts and, this being Portland, cuts a round of a log with his chainsaw every time we score.

TJ and his drum

TJ claps his hands.

TJ hangs from the rafters 80 feet in the air and bangs his drum.

TJ riles up the crowd.

The game started slow and the first half ended 0-0. The second half had some clever play from both sides that culminated in a Timbers' goal. Timber Jim cut his final slab as the crowd chanted and screamed.

The final whistle saw (sports writing is a challenge; it' all been said before) the Timbers victorious and Timber Jim tired but content. His number was retired to the rafters but lifetime season tickets means that the Green and White Army can count on his help for years to come. (Cue swelling music and credits).