Pirates release response to infuriating 'Bucco Brick' controversy, promise to help

The Pittsburgh Pirates have already managed to do the impossible this season, becoming an even bigger disaster off of the field than they are on it.

In the latest in a series of PR disasters during the first two weeks of the season, the Pirates removed the 10,000 "Bucco Bricks" that paved the way to the various entrances at PNC Park without prior warning to the fans who purchased them in honor of their loved ones. The bricks were found dumped at Pittsburgh area recycling facilities several days later.

"We are always focused on our fans and their experience at the ballpark," Pirates Senior VP of Communications Brian Warecki told FanSided in an exclusive interview Tuesday. "We know that we made some mistakes this week and sincerely apologize to our fans. We will work hard to rebuild their trust over time."

Pirates release response to infuriating 'Bucco Brick' controversy, promise to help

Following Warecki's promise to make things right, Pirates team president Travis Williams released a statement Wednesday regarding an opportunity for fans who donated to the original Bucco Brick program an opportunity to receive a complimentary commemorative replica of their brick.

The team is offering the commemorative replica bricks while plans for a new permanent display showcasing all the original messages are being finalized. To receive a replica brick, original donors can visit www.pirates.com/buccobricks and complete the form.

Williams also noted that the team was working on a new, more permanent display of Bucco Bricks at PNC Park.

"I know how meaningful the messages and tributes are. We respect that. We appreciate that," Williams wrote in his letter. "We are, and have always been, absolutely committed to ensuring these special messages and tributes live permanently at PNC Park. We have expedited the development of that new permanent display showcasing these messages in a manner that is worthy of deep personal meaning."

Wiliams added that the actions were being taken in order to assure Pirates fans that the club appreciates and cares about them. Regardless of when or how the messages from the original bricks will be displayed at PNC Park, though, it feels like too little, too late.

The damage has been done to the trust between the organization and its fanbase. No amount of comemorative replica bricks or public apologies will change that.

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