Amid fan concern, Pirates say new 'Bucco Bricks' display on way - ESPN

The Pittsburgh Pirates were on the backfoot again this week, forced to explain the disappearance of fan-funded «Bucco Bricks» and the delay in their return to PNC Park.

The frustration was heightened after fans shared with KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh that some of the bricks, which had been located in front of the home plate entrance to the stadium, were found at a recycling plant in the area.

The team told multiple outlets Tuesday that the bricks were in the process of being returned for a «more permanent display.» The bricks had been removed as part of renovations done outside the stadium, and the Pirates missed their goal of having the new display opened for their home opener on April 4.

The «Bucco Bricks» were introduced in 1999, with the team saying it sold about 10,000 of them. A number of the bricks include messages honoring family members, leading to some of the consternation among fans.

«Through the years, a host of environmental factors including weather and foot traffic have led to significant damage leading to multiple, full-scale replacements,» Pirates senior vice president of communications and broadcasting Brian Warecki said in a statement. «This cycle of deterioration prompted our organization to look for a better way to preserve these cherished messages over the long term.»

The Pirates noted to multiple outlets that the bricks have already been replaced twice since their introduction.

«We respect, appreciate and understand just how meaningful these messages are. We share in that feeling,» Warecki said. «We have been actively planning to develop and unveil a more permanent display for these special messages to honor the enduring support that our fans shared then and continue to share in our future. We look