Definition: Pepper is a  pre-game exercise where one player hits brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing around 20 feet away. The fielders throw to the batter who uses a short, light swing to hit the ball on the ground back towards the fielders. The fielders field the ground balls and continue tossing the ball to the batter. This exercise keeps the fielders and batter alert, and helps to develop quickness and good hand-eye coordination.

Some ballparks have banned pepper games because of the danger of balls landing in the stands and injuring spectators or because its concentrated play damages the grass on the field. As a result, many ballparks display “NO PEPPER” warnings behind or near home plate.