A base-ball enthusiast. Modern slang. The juvenile “fan” is called a “rooter.”
1901. The word is noted in ‘Dialect Notes,’ ii. 139.
1907. Race-track Fans drop much coin.—Heading in Sunday Oregonian, Sept. 15.
1909. Open Season for Fans and Bugs.—The same, Oregonian, Jan. 24.
1909. The information of the average fan as to how the gate money is divided between the clubs is misty.—The Bookkeeper, May.
1910. The average baseball fan labors under the impression that the moist ball can be thrown only with an overhand delivery. That’s a mistake.—N.Y. Evening Post, May 19.
