WALBECK NAMED EL MANAGER OF THE YEAR!
SeaWolves skipper Matt Walbeck named Eastern League Manager of the Year.
The Erie SeaWolves and the Eastern League are pleased to announce that ‘Wolves manager Matt Walbeck has been named 2007 Eastern League Manager of the Year.
In just his first season at the helm, Walbeck and his staff (A.J. Sager - Pitching Coach, Glenn Adams - Hitting Coach, Steve Chase - Strength and Conditioning Coach and Chris McDonald - Trainer) have led the ‘Wolves to their first playoff appearance since 2004, and are making a push for the team’s first Southern Division crown since 2001.
Walbeck’s managerial career began in 2004, one year after he retired from an 11-year Major League playing career. He led Class-A West Michigan to a pair of MidWest League championships in three seasons (2004, 2006). In just four seasons, Walbeck has compiled a record of 310-242 with a .561 winning percentage. His 300th win a manager came on Friday, August 17 in Altoona in 10-inning game.
Walbeck is the first Erie manager in nine seasons as an Eastern League affiliate to win the award.
Walbeck was named the 2006 Midwest League Manager of the Year and was twice (2005-06) chosen by Baseball America as the “Best Managerial Prospect” in the league.
The award was voted on by respective Eastern League team managers and coaching staffs, sportswriters, radio and television broadcast personnel and other members of the media.
The SeaWolves will recognize Matt for this award following the first game of tonight’s doubleheader at Jerry Uht Park.
