This is a week long review of the five biggest ovations in my memory.

1. coming Friday
2. Powell’s Bookstore - Winter 2002
3. Cleveland Cavaliers v. Detroit Pistons - May 15, 2005
4. In Your House - April 1996
5. South Korea v. Brazil - Fall 1997

Number Two:
This one may sound ridiculous, but i still get goose bumps when I think about this.

The second most powerful ovation I have ever heard took place in a bookstore in Portland Oregon. Powell’s Books is huge bookstore that takes up over a square city block in Portland. Known for it’s amazing selection of new and used books, it also is a popular stop for author’s doing book signings. Powell’s has a small open space where chairs can be set-up for larger events. In many cases the authors will speak to the crowd and take questions prior to signing their book.

In the winter of 2002 Daniel Ellsberg was on tour promoting his book called Secrets. Ellsberg was one of the authors of the Pentagon Papers, and was responsible for leaking those papers to the New York Times. For history buffs, Ellsberg is a pivotal figure in both the end of the Vietnam Conflict and the fall of the Nixon Presidency. His book Secrets chronicles his experience in the Defense Department through his anti-war crusade. To many, the personal risks Ellsberg’s took to expose the inside story makes him the truest of American patriots.

I had a front row seat for Ellsberg’s comments and I joined the crowd standing and clapping after he was introduced by a Powell’s employee. I was immediately struck by the noise and energy of the crowd. The bookstore roared with approval and admiration. Just as the thought struck me “Damn, this place is loud” the ovation peaked even more and went on for seemingly forever.

As I sat and took my seat I realized that it was one of the most powerful ovations I had ever been a part of….despite working in sports for nearly 15 years.

I had goose bumps then…and I still get them now thinking about it.

Tomorrow in the final installment, the roof comes off in Houston.

-Cudo