The smile is wide and on Mike Scioscia's face when he walks into the lobby of the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.
It's the same smile that covered Scioscia's face four months ago, just after the Anaheim Angels had won Game 7 of the World Series and become champions. It was the same smile that was on Scioscia's face at the Disneyland parade and the Edison Field parking lot celebration and it seems as if that smile hasn't left Scioscia's face.
Why should it?
The accomplishment of 2002, of leading the anonymous Angels to one of the most unlikely championships in sports history, should be enjoyed. Scioscia has deserved every honor, every award, every free chicken dinner and pat on the back, every "Way to go, Mike," that he heard, every "Atta boy," and every "Let's do it again."
Scioscia was at a ballroom in this hotel Sunday night to be the guest of honor at the 2003 Hot Stove Banquet Benefit Gala. Hosts were the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Angels' California League affiliate. A jersey autographed by Scioscia was the most popular item in the silent auction, going for $425. Dozens of people left their prime rib and mashed potatoes getting cold as they lined up to get a Scioscia autograph.
And it is clear why Scioscia seems so taut and trim in his well-tailored designer suit. If this is how his winter has gone, Scioscia didn't get a chance to eat. He spoke to each of the eager men and women, older ones in suits and ties, younger ones wearing T-shirts and sneakers, who wanted to touch Scioscia's hand, whisper in his ear and get his signature.
The Angels report to Tempe, Ariz., for spring training this week. Scioscia will report as manager of the World Series champions.
It sounds strange still -- Anaheim Angels, World Series champions.
What Scioscia has learned in this most enthralling off-season is how much the Angels and their style of baseball, Scioscia's style of baseball, has resonated. What Scioscia heard wherever he went -- on a local golf course, at a dinner in New York and anywhere in between -- was how much teamwork is appreciated by fans.
"I kept hearing all winter, what everybody liked was the style of our play, of our effort and the team ball," Scioscia said. "So much of baseball has become the home run sensation and those type of home run offenses have become so prevalent. When something else comes along, something like us, I think it was a breath of fresh air."
