10,000 Bricks

[W3WN]

In 1999, as part of the planning for the construction of PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates initiated a "Bucco Bricks" program. For $75 to $150, fans could purchase and personalize bricks that would be placed outside the park, basically as part of the walkways.

We were dumb enough to buy one. Well, the Boss did, anyway. All part of the promise of a Renaissance of MLB Baseball in Pittsburgh.

The promise was that these bricks would be there permanently.

Over 10,000 bricks were sold and installed. And over the 25 years that the park has been open, the bricks remained. Some had to be replaced due to weather or wear and tear, but they endured.

Until this year. All bricks removed. Replaced with concrete. What happened to them? The Pirates wouldn't say. Nada from Nutting (yeah, I know, so what else is new?). Until a news report on KDKA TV yesterday. They found the bricks. Dumped. In a recycling yard.

NOW that the word got out and they have been exposed for, once again, breaking their word... the Pirates are promising that they're going to replace ALL the bricks. Somewhere. By next season. They just haven't figured it out yet.

So, why didn't they announce in advance what their plans were? And avoid a PR disaster? Did they think no one would notice? It was a matter of pride for people to find "their" brick... you think we wouldn't notice that they were ALL missing?

The word from the Pirates... silence. Nuthin' from Nutting. As usual. But hey! They have new concessions! (In the expensive seats with limited access for the rest of the peons)

*sigh*

[KG4CGC]

Why I would'uv DUMPED the P-rats and become a Red Socks fan overnight!!!

[WZ7U]

I guess they have been wanting to emulate the orange fuhrer and just do something stupid, because they could.

[W3WN]

Why I would'uv DUMPED the P-rats and become a Red Socks fan overnight!!!

As a born and bred native of Northern New Jersey... are you kidding me? The only thing worse than suggesting that is suggest I become a Mets fan, and EVERYONE knows to say "Muck the Fets!"

Boo! Hiss! May Mickey Mantle and Phil Rizzuto haunt your dreams, for saying such sacrilege!

[WZ7U]

Ha ha ha ha and that's why they think they can just pitch the bricks into the tip after getting all those sweet fees. They know you won't leave for the 'competition'. I think it's deplorable. Get me a basket.

Who knew the Pirates had maga blood?

[KG4CGC]

Ha ha ha ha and that's why they think they can just pitch the bricks into the tip after getting all those sweet fees. They know you won't leave for the 'competition'. I think it's deplorable. Get me a basket.

Who knew the Pirates had maga blood?

↑↑↑ THIS ↑↑↑

[W3WN]

Ha ha ha ha and that's why they think they can just pitch the bricks into the tip after getting all those sweet fees. They know you won't leave for the 'competition'. I think it's deplorable. Get me a basket.

Who knew the Pirates had maga blood?

Well, I've met Bob Nutting. He came and gave a little talk one year at my previous employer's annual meeting.

I never thought they'd stoop THIS low. I should have known better.

Word is that the Pirates may now create an outdoor commemorative display to replace the bricks. Makes me think it will be a Pink Floyd moment, if they do so.

Oh, c'mon, you know. Just Another Brick in the Wall. Or... We Don't Need No Satisfaction (just your money)

[NQ6U]

We fans tend to forget that sports teams are a for-profit affair above all. They’ll treat us well for as long as it continues to bring in revenue but once it no longer does, they'll send us off to the minor league in exchange for a sack of batting practice balls and a draft pick to be named later. That was reinforced for me when the Padres pushed for a ballot initiative to use public funds to pay for Petco Park (which I voted against, BTW). They made all kinds of promises but once the park was built, the price of tickets skyrocketed to a point where a lot of us can no longer afford to regularly attend games and switched their TV coverage from a free basic cable channel run by a local outfit to Fox Sports, which you can only get by paying for a higher tier package.

I still consider myself to be a Padres fan but I don’t feel the same affection for the team that I once had.

[W3WN]

We fans tend to forget that sports teams are a for-profit affair above all. They’ll treat us well for as long as it continues to bring in revenue but once it no longer does, they'll send us off to the minor league in exchange for a sack of batting practice balls and a draft pick to be named later. That was reinforced for me when the Padres pushed for a ballot initiative to use public funds to pay for Petco Park (which I voted against, BTW). They made all kinds of promises but once the park was built, the price of tickets skyrocketed to a point where a lot of us can no longer afford to regularly attend games and switched their TV coverage from a free basic cable channel run by a local outfit to Fox Sports, which you can only get by paying for a higher tier package.

I still consider myself to be a Padres fan but I don’t feel the same affection for the team that I once had.

You are absolutely right. Regardless, when you sell a commemorative item like the Bricks, and promise in writing that they are permanent... to simply trash them with no notice is despicable. Even for someone like Bob Nutting, who has clearly shown over the years since his family bought out the other investors what he thinks of the fans.

That said... see next item

[W3WN]

Following email was sent out earlier today.
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Apr 16, 2025 View Online

Dear Pirates Fans – The way in which we handled the replacement of the Bucco Bricks at PNC Park was flat out wrong. There are no excuses. I am sorry. I know how meaningful the messages and tributes are. We respect that. We appreciate that. We are, and always have been, absolutely committed to ensuring these special messages and tributes live on at PNC Park. With this being the third time that we had to replace the bricks due to cracking, wear and tear, and uneven surface areas presenting safety hazards, it is important that we find a more lasting display. We have expedited the development of that new permanent display, showcasing these messages in a manner that is worthy of their deep personal meaning. We will announce those details in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, we want to provide all those who previously had their message displayed on a brick at PNC Park the opportunity to receive a complimentary keepsake replica of their original brick. To receive a replica brick, these fans should visit www.pirates.com/buccobricks and complete the form. Fans should be assured that these replica bricks are in addition to a new permanent display of these special messages at PNC Park. The new display will be designed to include all the original messages. My hope is that, through our actions, you will be assured that we appreciate you and we care about you. Sincerely, Travis Williams President Pittsburgh Pirates

Am I buying the sincerity? No. This is clearly a CYA type letter, which translates to "you caught us, so we'll cover our anatomy with a half-baked promise."

Could I be wrong? Certainly. We shall see.

Did we have a Bucco Brick? Yes.

Did I apply for a replica? You betcha. Now let's see if... and if, how... they come through on this promise.