Large bobbleheads give Pirates pause before unveiling at PNC Park

Pittsburgh Pirates management is mulling a lineup change to a set of large bobbleheads that are expected to be featured in PNC Park’s expanded kids area after officials said two of the life-size figurines did not meet their expectations.

“We ordered a total of five life-sized, fun, vintage replica-style bobbleheads for the expanded kids play areas,” said Brian Warecki, the team’s senior vice president, communications and broadcasting. “We never formally accepted a couple of them, as they did not meet our expectations. We are currently working with the vendor to ensure the final products are what we envisioned and very much look forward to sharing them with our fans once complete.”

The Pirates didn’t elaborate on why the rejected bobbleheads did not meet their expectations.

A Trib photographer on Monday captured images of two bobbleheads being unloaded outside of PNC Park and posted an image to social media, which prompted a negative response from some people.

The team has not received direct public feedback, Warecki said, as the bobbleheads have not yet been placed in the ballpark for display.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have similar bobbleheads, Warecki said. Multiple companies manufacture such bobbleheads, he said.

Pirates president Travis Williams told the Trib on Wednesday that the team is still evaluating which bobbleheads will be displayed. Williams said they likely would be installed by the second homestand, which starts April 26.

The bobbleheads were part of stadium-wide enhancements unveiled Monday. Besides the bobbleheads, new features in the kids’ play areas include a Lucky Climber shaped like a pirate ship and an accessible kid’s play bridge inspired by the nearby Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Most of the other changes were related to food and drink options along the riverwalk. A media tour on Wednesday highlighted some of the improvements.

The team employed ballpark design adviser Janet Marie Smith of Baltimore as part of the process. Speaking with the media, she said she met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting and explored ways to improve the ballpark experience. A longtime executive with Major League Baseball teams, her previous projects include Camden Yards in Baltimore, Fenway Park in Boston and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.