The Story Behind The Portland Timbers’ Chainsaw Celebration

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“I called up the GM and said I want to bring a chainsaw into the game…”


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What initially sounded like a crazy idea to the Timbers general manager, eventually grew into what today is known as the Victory Log.

The Ritual began in the 1970s with Jim Serrill, later known as Timber Jim, as a way to celebrate goals at Timbers games and also to strengthen the connection with the Portland community. Over time, elements have changed; a wooden beam was replaced by a Douglas Fir log, Timber Jim was succeeded by Timber Joey, however the essence of the ritual has remained the same.

Discover the origin and evolution of one of the most unique rituals in sports and the people that bring it to life.

Jim Serrill continues to preach his “Spread the love” mantra and give back to his community.

Find out more about his latest charity initiative here: https://bit.ly/2XX2ykq

To learn more about Jim Serrill’s story visit the Timber’s website or watch his TED Talk: https://youtu.be/W224koAnDvc

“The Ritual” is a new feature series that goes behind the stories of the most unique MLS matchday rituals and the ways in which they bring to life the culture of soccer in North America.

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38 thoughts on “The Story Behind The Portland Timbers’ Chainsaw Celebration”

  10. @arugula2787

    When the Timbers came to Philadelphia we brought out a long line of bread loaves and 'chainsawed' off a slice when we scored to poke fun at Portland. I guess you know your tradition is meaningful when the other clubs use it as a way to make fun of you :).

  13. @IndianaDoug

    May your home be strong of beam,

    Firm of wall and rafter,

    Built with Timbers from a dream,

    Girded well with laughter.

    May your home have a winding stair

    With a lovers landing,

    Windows to let in fresh air

    With the light of understanding.

    May your home have a roof of faith

    For every change of weather

    And love upon your hearth

    To warm your years forever.

    Go Timbers.”

  25. @henrycastro4245

    Gotta say cutting a log is a weird gimmick but one that definitely brings together a group of people and turn it into a family and make the timbers army I'm from california and wish the LA teams here were more into something like this because soccer is the biggest sport in the world and to see how Portland supports a log and even blesses it amazes me, much respect

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