As an ex-college coach, I like to try to keep track of my players. Especially for a four-year player, but even with ones who only played a year or two, we spent a lot of time together. Two-hour practices four or five times a week, pre-game meals, games – and road trips, even if only on a bus. During the season, I used to tell my players I spent more time with them than I did with my wife. (I did not tell my wife that.)
Sports fans also spend a great deal of time with the players on their favorite teams.