Why is pepper banned from some ballparks?

[steveox]

I dont see the big deal.Ever see in back of screen says no pepper?

[Elvis]

It made too many people sneeze into their nachos and spill cheese sauce on the seat in front of them. Then the team got the laundry bill. It was just an insurance thing. I just hope they never ban salt. I'll be pissed.

[Edgartohof]

I dont see the big deal.Ever see in back of screen says no pepper?



???????????????????????

Sorry for not really adding to the discussion, but ????????????????????????

I say that because:

1. I never have heard of that before,

2. don't know why it would be banned,

3. don't know why someone would need to bring pepper to the park

[Sean O]

dear god people. I'm gonna assume that most people on this board never played little league when they were young. At least, I pray that is the case.

from baseballtips.com:
pepper -- Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators).

[Elvis]

dear god people. I'm gonna assume that most people on this board never played little league when they were young. At least, I pray that is the case.

from baseballtips.com:
pepper -- Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators).

So you're saying it's the players who aren't allowed to bring the pepper onto the field. Are they still allowed to use it in the clubhouse? I heard they have some pretty nice spreads catered before the games - Do they allow pepper for that at least? I think the salt is way more dangerous. Hypertention and all.

[steveox]

dear god people. I'm gonna assume that most people on this board never played little league when they were young. At least, I pray that is the case.

from baseballtips.com:
pepper -- Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators).

If you know baseball youll know pepper too.They dont need to play pepper near the stands They could go to the bullpen and pratice it.

[JPL BMX]

I can't realll see why you would ban pepper, they could just to in the outfield. I did it in little league all the time and fields are way smaller making it easier for someone to get hurt.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Why would pepper be used at baseball games.
People don't actually order eggs and sprinkle pepper all over them!:D

[JPL BMX]

Why would pepper be used at baseball games.
People don't actually order eggs and sprinkle pepper all over them!:D


I think the signs are for the GAME pepper not the actual food topper.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

I think the signs are for the GAME pepper not the actual food topper.

Oh...:D :laugh

[64Cards]

I like some pepper on potato salad, which goes great with a jumbo dog or brat. I've yet to see potato salad sold at a ballpark.

[runningshoes]

???????????????????????

Sorry for not really adding to the discussion, but ????????????????????????

I say that because:

1. I never have heard of that before,

2. don't know why it would be banned,

3. don't know why someone would need to bring pepper to the park

You've never heard of Pepper?

I play it against a wall.

[bhss89]

dear god people. I'm gonna assume that most people on this board never played little league when they were young. At least, I pray that is the case.

from baseballtips.com:
pepper -- Pepper is a common pre-game exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to a group of fielders who are standing about 20 feet away. The fielders try to throw it back as quickly as possible. The batter hits the return throw. (Some ballparks ban pepper games because wild pitches could land in the stands and injure spectators).

You are correct, sir.

I might add that the propensity for ballplayers to stand in one spot and shuffle their spikes to and fro while playing in a small area on the grass is the other reason pepper is banned in many ballparks. The head groundskeeper ain't too fond on the grass being destroyed simply because some ballplayers wanted to warm up within sight of the hot singles in the front few rows!

Regarding the game itself, I have fond memories of playing with my fellow pitchers in college. We also played a game we called "Flips" that became really violent at times, which was perfect for guys who sometimes only saw action every 3 or 4 games.

[steveox]

I think the commisoner should rule a team has the right to play pepper but they should do it in a designated area.

[Edgartohof]

You've never heard of Pepper?

I play it against a wall.


The reasoning behind not knowing, is that I did not grow up around baseball that much - I mean I watch a few baseball games, and new a little about the Mariners, but begin to really get into it until the Mcgwire/Sosa chase, and then the 2001 Mariners is when I began following Seattle diligently, and have gotten more and more involved (especially since joining bbf). So you will have to forgive me for not knowing a lot of "basic" stuff.

[Captain Cold Nose]

I've only seen this ban at Fenway.

[steveox]

Its also Banned in Detroit.

[west coast orange and black]

Captain Cold Nose:I've only seen this ban at Fenway.

playing pepper near the backstop is banned at all 30 ballyards.
the stated reason is that it jacks up the grass too much.

players do not like to play pepper in the outfield because they'd hafta chase down the errant balls.

[sschirmer]

Captain Cold Nose:I've only seen this ban at Fenway.

playing pepper near the backstop is banned at all 30 ballyards.
the stated reason is that it jacks up the grass too much.

players do not like to play pepper in the outfield because they'd hafta chase down the errant balls.

Finally. I should have known Tony would rescue this thread.

[steveox]

Captain Cold Nose:I've only seen this ban at Fenway.
players do not like to play pepper in the outfield because they'd hafta chase down the errant balls.

Well like said play pepper in the bullpens.Bullpens dont have to be pretty cause cameras only show pitchers warming up.

[tonypug]

I dont see the big deal.Ever see in back of screen says no pepper?
They really need a sign that says no Ketchup on Hot Dogs.

[steveox]

They really need a sign that says no Ketchup on Hot Dogs.
Yeah!! :clapping no Ketchup
http://www.louislunch.com/noketchup_small.gif

[Joltin' Joe]

It wasn't the game and it certainly wasn't the spice. The first thing that I thought it was when I saw the thread title was Johnny Leonard Roosevelt Martin aka Pepper. :o

[tonypug]

Yeah!! :clapping no Ketchup
http://www.louislunch.com/noketchup_small.gif
Now, thats what I'm talking about.

[steveox]

This is the only thing should be allowed at Ballparks
http://www.woebermustard.com/images/products/brownyellow/bottle1ssm.gif

[Elvis]

This is the only thing should be allowed at Ballparks
http://www.woebermustard.com/images/products/brownyellow/bottle1ssm.gif

Don't forget these
http://www.cafe-express.com/www/html/assets/images/ChickenCroutons/Chopped_Onions.jpg

Can't have the mustard without the onions.

[Elvis]

playing pepper near the backstop is banned at all 30 ballyards.
the stated reason is that it jacks up the grass too much.

They should take off their spikes and play in thongs.

[west coast orange and black]

sschirmer: Finally.

it's just that some people do not know what pepper is, man. :eek:

[Bluesteve32]

As a former groundkeeper, pepper is not played between the dugouts because those are the heavy traffic areas which cause much wear and tear on the turf. Most parks do not want the payers to warm up in the infield, but on the outfield grass. Pepper in the outfield is permitted in ballparks as part of any warmup drills.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Captain Cold Nose:I've only seen this ban at Fenway.

playing pepper near the backstop is banned at all 30 ballyards.
the stated reason is that it jacks up the grass too much.

players do not like to play pepper in the outfield because they'd hafta chase down the errant balls.
Thanks. That makes perfect sense. Is this posted in other stadiums? I know I've seen the sign at Fenway, but never noticed it anywhere else.

[Gjm130]

This is a weird topic...no doubt about it...

[Captain Cold Nose]

This is a weird topic...no doubt about it...
Not really. It's a legitimate topic, although not one of the more scholarly ones.
If you don't like a topic . . .

[runningshoes]

This is a weird topic...no doubt about it...

Nah, it's just that you're Canadian.

(I can say that. I'm Canadian as well. No comments from you Yankees, eh? ;)

[Bluesteve32]

Well, us Yanks have all learned to spell your country:

C-eh-N-eh-D-eh!:laugh

[Elvis]

I remember Yankee Stadium having "NO PEPPER" on the walls behind home plate in the 1980s.

[runningshoes]

Well, us Yanks have all learned to spell your country:

C-eh-N-eh-D-eh!:laugh

That's a good one. I've never seen it before. :laugh

[Bluesteve32]

That's a good one. I've never seen it before. :laugh

Any Yanks that are hockey fans know how to speak "Canadian" too. ;)

The aboot and oots never seem to go away. Whne my oldest son was born, the nurse was explaining some of the things we need to do and be concerned about regarding his car and doctor's appointments. After she was finished, I asked, "You are from Canada, aren't you?"

She said, "Yes, how could you tell?"

The way you said, 'out' and 'about,'" I replied. "I have been a hockey fan long enought to tell." :laugh

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

You've never heard of Pepper?

I play it against a wall.

Yes. I like it on top of my mushroom soup or asparagus soup.

[Gjm130]

Any Yanks that are hockey fans know how to speak "Canadian" too. ;)

The aboot and oots never seem to go away. Whne my oldest son was born, the nurse was explaining some of the things we need to do and be concerned about regarding his car and doctor's appointments. After she was finished, I asked, "You are from Canada, aren't you?"

She said, "Yes, how could you tell?"

The way you said, 'out' and 'about,'" I replied. "I have been a hockey fan long enought to tell." :laugh

HAHAHAHAH, that's a funny one

[Gary Dunaier]

I remember Yankee Stadium having "NO PEPPER" on the walls behind home plate in the 1980s.
The Mets also had "NO PEPPER GAMES" on the wall behind home plate during that time.

[gemcaptom]

following is a short old clip of a team playing Pepper

http://media.oregonstate.edu/ramgen/archives/p48-10-oac-baseball.rm

[redoct11]

Yeah!! :clapping no Ketchup
http://www.louislunch.com/noketchup_small.gif

Booooooooo! Ketchup and mustard!

[2Chance]

Got another good one from the House of David Museum (http://www.houseofdavidmuseum.org/sports/index.htm).

And this much from Buzzle.com (http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/7-11-2003-42810.asp):
pepper, the baseball variety, for all practical purposes is gone, or is, at least, being shown the door. I can explain pepper to you if you are not familiar with the exercise, but your best bet would be to buy, rent or borrow the series of videos titled Baseball: A Film, by Ken Burns. It is a boxed set of nine (Nine, get it?) There are snippets of old time ballplayers playing pepper, tossing the ball behind their backs and generally having a grand old time with it. It is the baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters tossing the ball around in warm-ups at the free throw circle to the strains of "Sweet Georgia Brown."

I remember Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates using a 40-ounce bat and holding it with one hand to conduct pepper sessions. He and his teammates did it the same way we sandlotters did it. A few players would form a semicircle and toss the ball to a batter at close range. The batter peppered the ball back off the bat, where it is was handled as best one can handle a short-range missile and it was quickly tossed back to the batter, who peppered another shot, and so on, fastly. It was supposed to be a good warm-up, one to improve hand and eye coordination. It was usually done around the backstop area.

Major League baseball parks today boast "No Pepper" signs around the home plate region. Some say the little game tears up the turf. Others say a ball might fly into the stands and injure a paying customer. I do not know the real reason. I do not see how there could be a real reason.
I can't remember specifically where they are, but can't remember being at a park anywhere that didn't have a "No Pepper" or "No Pepper Games" sign posted somewhere. (But that might be my imagination.)

When Chris Chambliss came to the Cincinnati Reds as batting coach a few years ago he brought back pepper games, but I was never down there to see them. Otherwise it's gone out of style, whether because of all the natural grass, fear of injury to players or fans, or the fact that it emphasizes bat control and quick reactions rather than swinging for the fences.

Found this at a the St. Petersburg Times site (http://www.sptimes.com/2003/07/26/Rays/Once_a_revered_ritual.shtml):
Lou Piniella, an 18-year big-league outfielder, said the demise of pepper's popularity began "because (the field) has got to look real nice on TV." Pristine green, particularly behind home plate, is de rigueur. Bald spots? Oh, please!

Then there are the indoor batting cages in every stadium. They didn't exist a generation or so ago. Players spend more time there, less on the field.

"We basically try to do the same things in the cages with the hitters," Piniella said. "Pepper's better for pitchers because they get used to the ball coming right back at them after they release it."

Alex Johnson, a journeyman outfielder from 1964-76, liked pepper. When he played it he dug about a 6-inch hole for his back foot. Toma would have to shunt him toward the outfield. Not all players were as accommodating. Dave Rader, for instance.

Rader was part-time catcher for Boston in 1980. Joe Mooney, long-time Red Sox groundskeeper, remembered stepping onto the field at Fenway Park one day "and Rader's got this pepper game going back of the plate with some other guys. I say, "Cut it out,' and he just laughs and keeps playing and I say, "I'll get even with you,' and the next day he comes out and there's no batting cage, nothing. That was my ground he was (messing) with."

A cousin of pepper
Pepper was the early 1920s creation of Jesse Lee "Doc" Tally, said Terry Bertolino, co-author of The House of David Baseball Team (Arcadia). Tally and two teammates on the bearded barnstorming club did it to kill time waiting for fans to show up.

It evolved into a midgame show with the trio assembled in the infield. By show's end the air would be replete with balls, bats, even gloves. "As many people sometimes came to see it as came to see the game," Bertolino said.

The Gashouse Gang - the 1934 Cardinals of Dizzy and Daffy Dean, Ducky Medwick and others - popularized it at the big-league level, a baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters' signature Sweet Georgia Brown pregame basketball circle of no-look, behind-the-back, between-the-legs passes.

The Gashouse Gang's version actually was the flip game, a cousin of pepper, several fielders flipping the ball to each other, sometimes never taking it out of their glove.

"Sometimes it doesn't go over too good," Zimmer said, "so if we're playing pepper, that's one of the rules; no flip game. Guys would get hit in the eye, spike each other going for the ball."

USF coach Eddie Cardieri doesn't allow it. "Tossing the ball with the glove, that's like practicing missing it, not catching it," he said.

Young Rays outfielder Carl Crawford played pepper before every game at Jefferson Davis High in Houston. It remains a staple in high school, though some coaches, Tim Sims of Hernando High among them, have switched to using Wiffle Balls as part of practice. "You can play with them indoors on rainy days, and you can take a regular swing," Sims said.

Crawford played pepper a lot in the minors, too, but very little since his big-league debut in July 2002. "Probably some guys don't like the idea of slapping at the ball," Crawford said. "They don't want to get into the habit in a game where they're going to be swinging as hard as they can."

Rays veteran outfielder Al Martin said pregame rituals have supplanted pepper games.

"We do a lot stretching exercises, and (Kevin Barr, strength and conditioning coordinator) puts us through a routine that gets you loose in other ways now. Lots of different things go on on any given day as far as preparing for a game," Martin said. "You kind of don't have enough time, so you disregard the little things. Pepper's one of them."

- For information on the history of the pepper game and the House of David baseball team, go to www.peppergame.com