Fans can sign up to claim their free brick online.
For the last 25 years, the “Bucco Bricks” have been a special part of some Pittsburgh Pirates fans’ experience at PNC Park.
But on April 9th, memories became nightmares when KDKA-TV found the bricks dumped in a Reserve Township recycling facility.
The Pirates redid the sidewalks around the ballpark this offseason, including around the Honus Wagner statue, where the former Bucco Bricks were displayed in the sidewalk.
The findings by Chris Hoffman and KDKA created an uproar of angry Pirates fans caught off guard and angered the Pirates would dispose of their bricks with messages to and from loved ones.
To clear the air and make things right, the Pirates released a statement stating their “commitment to permanent display of fan messages at PNC Park.”
The Pirates unveiled a program where fans who donated towards an original Bucco Brick can receive a complimentary replica brick.
Fans are asked to fill out their informational form: www.pirates.com/buccobricks
“I know how meaningful the messages and tributes are,” Pirates President Travis Williams said on Wednesday. “We have expedited the development of that new permanent display showcasing these messages in a manner that is worthy of their deep personal meaning.”
The Pirates have replaced the bricks on two other occasions due to wear and tear, cracks, and other damage.
Williams further apologized on Thursday at a ceremonial unveiling of second base from Three Rivers Stadium to commemorate Roberto Clemente’s 3,000th hit.
The organization said it wants to continue to grow its relationship with the fans after emotional pushback at the home opener, and with both the Roberto Clemente logo on the 21-foot high wall and the situation with the bricks.
Pittsburgh welcomes the Cleveland Guardians to town for a three-game series this weekend at PNC Park.