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The first group of Volga German immigrants arriving in Portland from Russia had no background or experience with organized sports. The following generations born in the Portland area soon became involved and found success in a wide variety of athletic activities.

"Many local softball teams such as M&M Woodworking, Raven Creamery, Nicolai Sash and Door, Rotary Bread, and the Wooden Shoe Tavern were 90 percent filled with German-Russian boys and cornered many championships in the 1930's and early 1940's. Star players included the Helser and Hergert brothers, Red Gette, Karlie Miller, and Red Melcher." - Dr. Raymond P. Koch

The list below includes successful athletes from the Portland area with Volga German ancestry. Click on the links below for a brief profile of each individual.

• Sammy Aschenbrenner
• Bob Beall
• Gene Beall
• Jim Beall
• Monte Brethauer
• Jack Burbank
• Jeff Erdman
• Jake Hergert
• Mick Hergert
• Ron Hergert
• Solly Hergert
• Hank Helser
• Morrie Helser
• Roy Helser
• Vern Kindsfather
• Don Kirsch
• ​Jim Kirsch
• Walt Kirsch​
• Ray Koch
• Rich Koch
• Don Krieger
• Henry "Fuzzy" Krieger
• Scott Krieger
• Harry "Red" Melcher
• Karl Miller
• Richard C. Miller
• Jake Pappenheim (aka Kurt von Poppenheim)
• Scott Rueck
• John Schleining
• Josh Schleining
• Clarence (Nick) Schmeer
• Esther Smith (Schmidt)
• George Smith (Schmidt)
• Henry Smith (Schmidt)
• Fred Volz
• Jack Wagner
• Richard Lawrence Wagner
• Arnold Weinmeister
• ​Dick Weitzel
• John Yeager

Please contact us if you have information about the individuals listed above or if you have additional athletes to recognize.

The M & M Woodworking Co. softball team of 1935. Front row, second from the left, is Fred Smith (Schmidt). Photograph courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

The Wooden Shoe Tavern softball team. This photograph was taken in Irving Park with the Zion German Congregational Church appearing in the background. Front row, far right is Sammy Aschenbrenner. Front row, second from the right is Ed Miller. Front row, second from the left is Solly Hergert. Front row, far left is possibly Benny Miller. Back row, far left is Heinie Miller.

The Albina Juniors championship football team of 1926. Many of the players have Volga German ancestry. Photograph courtesy of Roy Conrad Derring.

Esther Smith (Schmidt) in her softball uniform and catcher's mask. Esther played catcher for the Laundry and Cleaners Local team that won the 1940 City of Portland Women's A-League Softball Championship. Photograph courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

Written on the back on the wooden frame: "Sabin School Quintet - Champion for 1934 - Hergert (Right Forward), Derr (Left Forward) F, Weitzel (Center), Smith (Guard), Stang (Guard). Henry Smith is in the back row on the far left seated next to the teacher/coach. Back row, center, is Ray Weitzel. Back row, far right is Ruben Derr. Courtesy of Tracie Williams.

Article from "The Sunday Oregonian", June 30, 1940, page 4.

Last updated January 15, 2023