Sports
PNC Park 'Bucco Bricks' Turn Up At Recycling Center
The Pirates have had to explain why they discarded the fan-cherished "Bucco Bricks" outside of PNC Park.
PITTSBURGH, PA — In the Pittsburgh Pirates latest public relations fiasco, the team on Tuesday was left scrambling to explain why commemorative bricks placed outside PNC Park were discovered at a recycling center.
Launched in 1999, the "Bucco Bricks" program allowed fans to purchase personalized bricks that would be placed on the main terrace of PNC Park, with proceeds going to the Roberto Clemente Foundation. The team sold about 10,000 bricks at prices of $75-$150 depending on their size.
Many of the fans took to social media to offer scathing criticism of the team following a KDKA-TV report that showed many of the bricks had been taken to a recycling center in Reserve Township.
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Grok summed things up about Bucco Bricks situation very nicely. My wife bought me the brick. Had each person in our family's name on it. I would tap my foot on it each time I went by Home Plate Entrance of #PNC Park. Would love to have been given mine. 😡 #Heartless 🚫 💛 https://t.co/Q6tCXSnZg0 pic.twitter.com/8RGXsPPb94
— Scott Chamberlain (@TheBuccosFan) April 9, 2025
My late father got this for me in 2001 and never told me about it. Took me several weeks into that season before I found it. Once I did, I never missed a chance to tap it with my foot when I covered or attended a game. I was stunned to find out they were removed and recycled. https://t.co/GMiMzwx4UP pic.twitter.com/jbWX2uefgb
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) April 9, 2025
Pirates spokesman Brian Warecki said the bricks were removed because of the deterioration that had occurred to them since their installation nearly 25 years ago.
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“We respect, appreciate and understand just how meaningful these messages are. We share in that feeling," he said in a statement. "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 forward to sharing those details soon in celebration of our 25th season.”
The removal of the bricks is the latest embarrassment for the Pirates, who announced Sunday they would return the No. 21 logo honoring Clemente back to the right field wall. Fans and the
Clemente family voice displeasure that it had been replaced with an advertisement this season. Word of the sign's removal had drawn national attention.
Also thus far this season, a plane with a banner urging owner Bob Nutting to sell the team has flown over PNC Park.
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