He was a first baseman whose seven-year (1962–1968) professional career included a four-game trial in the majors with the Detroit Tigers in 1966. Pepper batted left handed and threw right-handed, at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg).

Called up to the Tigers after the post-September 1 roster expansion, Pepper was a pinch hitter in three contests (he grounded out, struck out, and flied out in his three at bats).

In his fourth game, he was a defensive replacement for veteran Tiger first baseman Norm Cash, but did not bat.

[2] At age 24, Pepper made the cover of Sports Illustrated in March 1968, along with Johnny Bench, Cisco Carlos, Alan Foster, and Mike Torrez, as "The Best Rookies of 1968.

"[3] In 1969, Pepper refused a minor league assignment and retired, moving home to Wilton, New York to work on his family's turkey farm.