The Clue
Whiffs at the plate (4 letter answer)
The Answer
FANS
Tags
Notes
The answer FANS is uncommon, appearing about once every 425 puzzles.
Related Clues
Admirers
Aficionados
Bleacherites
Buffs
Clappers
Devotees
Enthusiasts
Punkahs
Rooters
Winnows
Ballpark figures
Groupies, e.g.
Some screamers
Stadium rooters
Stirs to activity
Strikes out
Blows chaff off
Certain club members
Completely misses the ball
Gear for Sally Rand
Sally Rand props
Ones waiting for autographs, e.g.
Pre-air conditioning coolers
Season ticket holders, notably
They may root or hoot
Definition
FAN as a noun:
1. a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
2. (sports fan, fan, rooter) = an enthusiastic devotee of sports
3. (fan, buff, devotee, lover) = an ardent follower and admirer
FAN as a verb:
1. strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)
2. make (an emotion) fiercer; "fan hatred"
3. agitate the air
4. (winnow, fan) = separate the chaff from by using air currents; "She stood there winnowing chaff all day in the field"