Pirates Say 'Bucco Bricks' Will Return After Being Removed for PNC Park Renovations

The Pittsburgh Pirates found themselves doing damage control for the second time in three days over a key part of PNC Park being taken down.

Per Chris Hoffman of CBS Pittsburgh affiliate KDKA, Pirates fans had expressed frustration at the disappearance of the "Bucco Bricks" display on the sidewalks outside of the ballpark.

It was later revealed the bricks were dumped at recycling facilities around the city after being removed to accommodate renovations around the stadium.

Brian Warecki, Pirates Senior vice president of communications and broadcasting, said (h/t Alex Stumpf of MLB.com) in a statement released on Tuesday that the bricks would return in a new permanent display that would be unveiled in the near-future:

"Through the years, a host of environmental factors including weather and foot traffic have led to significant damage leading to multiple, full-scale replacements. This cycle of deterioration prompted our organization to look for a better way to preserve these cherished messages over the long term.

"We respect, appreciate and understand just how meaningful these messages are. We share in that feeling. 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 Bucco Brick program launched in 1999, giving fans an opportunity to purchase a personalized brick on the main terrace of PNC Park. Proceeds from the purchases go to the Roberto Clemente Foundation.

Stumpf noted an estimated 10,000 bricks have been purchased and the organization maintained a list of names and inscriptions on an Excel list.

The Pirates purchased an empty lot next to PNC Park that they were converting into an entertainment plaza, with the goal to have it ready by their home opener on April 4.

In addition to the Bucco Bricks' situation, the Pirates received criticism over the weekend for replacing a sign on the wall in right field honoring Clemente with an advertisement for an alcoholic beverage.

Pirates president Travis Williams issued an apology on Sunday and took responsibility for the sign issue, calling it an "honest mistake" and "an oversight not to keep the No. 21 logo" in right field.

Williams also said the logo was being restored ahead of Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Pirates are playing their 25th season at PNC Park since it opened in 2001. They are off to a 4-8 start this season.