The Fan is a 1996 American sports psychological thriller film directed by Tony Scott, and starring Robert De Niro and Wesley Snipes, based on the 1995 novel by Peter Abrahams.

Rayburn has also been in an open conflict with teammate Juan Primo due to both men wanting to keep jersey number 11, culminating in a physical fight.

Thinking that Rayburn does not acknowledge his fans, Gil goes to his beach house and saves his son Sean from drowning.

Rayburn states he stopped caring about the game after Primo's death because he felt there were more important things in life.

He also tells Gil that he has lost respect for the fans, remarking on their fickle nature — when he's hitting, they love him, but when he's not, they hate him.

Rayburn soon discovers that Gil has kidnapped Sean and left a piece of branded flesh from Primo's shoulder in the freezer.

Police discover Sean at the Little League field, named the Stadium in the Sky, where Gil once played in his childhood.

A picture on the wall shows Gil in his past glory, playing Little League baseball and winning a championship game.

According to director Tony Scott, Brad Pitt, Al Pacino, and Wesley Snipes wanted to play the role of Gil.

The website's critics' consensus states: "Tony Scott's visceral flash proves to be an ill fit for The Fan, a queasy tale of obsession that succeeds at making audiences uncomfortable, but strikes out when it comes to delivering the thrills.