Nicknamed "The Guv'nor", Pendleton came up with the Braves in 1953 and played also with the Pirates and Reds before he joined the Colt .45s for their inaugural season. In that year, the Missourian batted .246 homers with eight homers for Houston. He also started the first game in franchise history, getting a hit and an RBI.

It was Pendleton's last action in the majors. For his eight-year career, he hit .255 with 19 homers as a reserve outfielder.

Pendleton passed away on March 20, 1996 in Houston at age 72.