Through the final stages of a 15-year playoff drought, through a World Series championship, through three consecutive losing seasons, Scioscia stood there, steadfast and unwavering through most of his 3,078 games guiding the Angels.
But on Sunday afternoon, Scioscia finally stepped back. He told friend Alfredo Griffin, the only coach remaining from the first staff Scioscia helped put together in 2000, that Griffin would take over managerial duties for part of the day. Then he turned around.
Hours before it became public knowledge that he will not return for a 20th season as Angels manager, Scioscia retreated to a bench and reveled in the final day of his tenure in Anaheim.