In his second year as Curve manager, Walbeck led Altoona to an 82-60 record en route to the franchise's first championship. Walbeck also was awarded Eastern League manager of the year in 2010.

Walbeck was informed of the Pirates' decision not to keep him by farm director Kyle Stark, who told the Mirror, "We appreciate Matt's efforts and wish him the best, but felt like it was best to allow him to pursue other opportunities."

Walbeck told the Mirror he was not given a reason for the decision.

"Just that it wasn't going to be a good fit," Walbeck told the newspaper in reference to the Pirates' reasoning. "There were some things about how I have some aspirations and [am] highly driven and words like that, but apparently it wasn't going to work out."

Just weeks after leading his team to the Eastern League Championship, Altoona Curve manager Matt Walbeck was let go by the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to the Altoona Mirror.

In his second year as Curve manager, Walbeck led Altoona to an 82-60 record en route to the franchise's first championship. Walbeck also was awarded Eastern League manager of the year in 2010.

Walbeck was informed of the Pirates' decision not to keep him by farm director Kyle Stark, who told the Mirror, "We appreciate Matt's efforts and wish him the best, but felt like it was best to allow him to pursue other opportunities."

Walbeck told the Mirror he was not given a reason for the decision.

"Just that it wasn't going to be a good fit," Walbeck told the newspaper in reference to the Pirates' reasoning. "There were some things about how I have some aspirations and [am] highly driven and words like that, but apparently it wasn't going to work out."

Curve fans said they were in shock after learning of Walbeck's firing. The Pittsburgh Pirates had not given a reason behind the decision as of noon Thursday.

"He's a good manager overall and a good person," said Curve fan George Frank.

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