03/31/26 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Curve manager Andy Fox talks in the dugout during practice.

Altoona Curve manager Andy Fox enters his second season in Altoona with a brand new team, but the same expectations as last year, which resulted in an Eastern League playoff berth.

“The big thing is just playing the game the right way,” Fox said at the Curve’s annual media day on Tuesday afternoon. “If you play the game the right way, you’re going to find yourself on the high end of games. And that’s a lot of what we preach.”

That philosophy worked wonders for Fox’s squad in the 2025 campaign, one that saw the Curve surge in the second half to make the playoffs.

“We understand we’re developing and trying to get these guys to the big leagues, but if you play the game the right way you’re going to win a lot of games,” Fox said. “I felt we did that in the second half last year, and then we played really good baseball and found ways to win more.”

Gone are players like Konnor Griffin and Nick Cimillo, who helped lead the way for Altoona last season, but lineup regulars and leaders such as center fielder Mitch Jebb and shortstop Duce Gourson return this season.

The familiarity coupled with Fox’s persona on and off the field have helped the players get ready for the season and now that they’re back in town enjoying being back on the field and getting ready for action.

“I think it’s great when you have a good culture and have guys that really enjoy each other and keep it light,” Fox said. “That’s what makes the seasons fun. You’re going to have some ups and downs, and you’re going to have rough stretches, but when you have a connected group, it sure makes those rough times a little bit easier to handle, and it shortens them up.”

There will certainly be struggles for Fox’s squad as there are for any team, especially minor league players looking to get their break and make it to Triple-A or even the Pirates.

“You understand they’re going to have their struggles, but also you just want to see them get better,” Fox said. “It’s a progression and you keep grinding and find what works, and they keep working.”

First stop

Tonight: Harrisburg Senators at Altoona Curve, 6 p.m.

Pitchers: Harrisburg LHP Alex Clemmey vs. Curve TBD

Promotion: Cole Tucker appearance, fireworks