Portland Hearts of Pine Fan Creates Car Inspired By Hunter Morse
...and he wins a race.
Portland Hearts of Pine can be found everywhere, including the race track.
Jonah Dickinson’s family holds an annual party that features lobsters, live music, and a race that’s comparable to a demolition derby.
Participants in the marquee event purchase cheap cars that are then painted. Past designs include a shark, bulldog, and cat.
This year, Jonah decided to do an ode to Hearts, in part because he bought a reddish-orange vehicle. The car, which was named “Morse Code,” resembled the brick jersey worn by the goalkeepers.
“To be honest, I think Hunter Morse is one of the best as far as skill,” Jonah said. “Goalkeepers don’t get a lot of love. I think they deserve a lot more than they get.”
While Hearts are only 15 games into their inaugural season, Jonah has already fallen in love with the club. He’s always loved playing soccer, but never got into watching it. That changed with the arrival of Hearts.
“I just graduated high school, so I can’t really play anymore besides doing pick-up,” Jonah said. “This gives me a place to come, a place away from the hustle and bustle of life, to just watch soccer and hang out with good people.”
Jonah, who was wearing Heart-shaped sunglasses to go with his white jersey when I spoke to him at the Riverhounds game, travels just over an hour to get to Fitzpatrick Stadium. The story of him bringing his dad to a game is told in the documentary How We Get There.
One of the things he likes most about Hearts is how involved they are with the community. Club founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson gave his blessing to the Hearts car, which meant a lot.
“It was an amazing thing for me, just because he approved of it,” Jonah said.
He represented the club well, hoisting the trophy atop the “Hunter Morse” after he won the race. A fitting tribute, especially since Hearts are on a five-game unbeaten streak.