What is Pepper Baseball?

Pepper baseball is a variation on the traditional baseball game.  It is a game that can be played independently and scores can be tallied.  Pepper baseball can also be used as a warm-up exercise before starting a traditional baseball game.  Pepper baseball helps to keep batters and fielders alert, so it is a helpful exercise.  It is also a challenging game when played independently.

Pepper Baseball as a Pre-Game Exercise

Pepper baseball is a common pre-game exercise.  In this exercise, the batter hits the ball to a group of fielders.  The fielders are positioned about 20 feet away from the batter.  The fielders throw the ball to the batter, who hits the ball with a short light swing.  The batter's intention is to hit the ball on the ground back to the fielders, who then field the ball and throw it back to the batter.  The quick pace of this warm up exercise helps to keep both the batter and fielders alert.  It is also a great way to warm up their muscles before the game starts.

Pepper Baseball as a Game

Pepper baseball is a very competitive game.  In this game, the fielders stand in a line, approximately 15 to 20 feet away from the batter.  One side of the line is considered the front, and the other side of the line is considered the back.  One fielder will throw the ball to the batter, who attempts to hit a ground ball back to the line of fielders.  If the fielder can play the ball, his job is to throw it back to the batter as quickly as possible.  The batter then attempts to hit the ball back to the line of fielders.  If the fielder makes an error while fielding the ball, he must move to the back of the line.  If the batter makes an error while hitting the ball (such as hitting a foul ball or striking), he is retired as the batter.  He must then move to the back of the fielding line, and the fielder in the front of the line becomes the new batter.  If the batter hits a line drive or pop-up ball and it is caught by a fielder, the fielder who caught the ball automatically becomes the new batter, and the old batter must move to the end of the fielding line.

Pepper Baseball as a Banned Sport

Most ballparks have banned pepper baseball.  In pepper baseball, there is a high risk of the ball being hit into the stands and injuring spectators.  In addition, play is concentrated to a small area of the field, which is known to damage the baseball field.