This week on Take Me In to the Ballgame:

Ellen Adair and Eric Gilde discuss the 1996 thriller “The Fan,” rating the film on the 20-80 scouting scale. They introduce the film (2:20), with an overview of the story, cast, and director Tony Scott’s style. After a description of the 20-80 scouting grades for those who are unfamiliar (6:33), they begin with Amount of Baseball (7:57), pondering whether the finale counts as a baseball scene. They also consider how the average shot length impacts the amount of baseball received and include a 2020 player comp. Baseball Accuracy (11:28) opens with a consideration of how Barry Bonds being mentioned in this film tears at reality’s very fabric. The two talk Carl Hubbell, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, question Primo’s actual position, and wonder how Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes) can return to a game after leaving it. The character that John Kruk plays has a truly superhuman hitting feat, and heads explode as they ponder a game in which it appears the Giants play multiple teams. The category wraps up with a brief history of baseball players murdered in the midst of their careers. Storytelling (39:42) examines Roy and Gil’s relative likeability, issues with Gil’s career as a knife salesman, and the strangeness of the bathroom and sauna scenes. Meanwhile, what is up with their drink orders?! Plus, an idea for a drinking game if you would like to get trashed while watching this movie. There are 10,000 questions raised by the wild and confusing finale. Score (1:18:48) feels some Gladiator vibes with this Hans Zimmer composition, and raises the question of how to consider a score that’s better than its movie when separated from it. Some consideration of the Rolling Stones subplot. Acting (1:23:45) praises not just Robert DeNiro and Wesley Snipes, but Benicio del Toro, John Leguizamo, Ellen Barkin, Kurt Fuller, Patti D’Arbanville, Chris Mulkey, and the young actors Andrew J. Ferchland and Brandon Hammond. Also, props to Snipes’ stunt double. The Delightfulness of Catcher (1:28:37) reveals truths about Gil’s friend Coop before a quick look at the Delightfulness of Announcer (1:30:39). Lack of Misogyny (1:31:47) considers Ellen Barkin’s character, as well as her excellent bar scene with Wesley Snipes. No spoilers on the following segments: Yes or No (1:36:36), Six Degrees of Baseball (1:43:38), Favorite Moment (1:46:23) Least Favorite Moment (1:47:58), Scene We Would Have Liked to See (1:49:49), Dreamiest Player (1:55:40), Favorite Performance (1:56:27), Next Time (1:58:38), and Review Thank You (1:57:55).

 

Don’t miss an episode –Subscribe Apple Podcasts or Subscribe to our Newsletter

Eric Gilde and Ellen Adair

Recent Posts

Ep. 240: Early Trades, WPBL Starts, Thankful

On this week's episode of Long Gone, the boys discuss some early trades before Winter…

2 days ago

The Season That Challenged Me

n this episode of the Mental Health Playbook, Coach Trav shares his experiences at the…

4 days ago

Top Dynasty League Pickups for 2026

On this week’s episode of the Fantasy Football Almanac show, Sean Ryan talks about the…

4 days ago

Episode 266: NFL Week 13

On this week's episode of The Underdog NFL Show, hosts Chris and Mario run through…

4 days ago

526. Nashville Sportscaster Kevin Ingram

Kevin Ingram is a play-by-play announcer for Vanderbilt basketball, a sideline reporter for Vanderbilt football,…

4 days ago

Episode 311: A Full Week of Football

On this week's episode of You're Wrong... And Here's Why, hosts Chris and Greg break…

4 days ago

This website uses cookies.