There are avid fans of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. And then there is Nancy Bataille, who operates at a different level of fandom. She has been an unstoppable “Fannie’’ for a half-century.

At age 9, Nancy went with her church youth group to a Rowdies game in 1975 — and she was hooked. She went to every team meet-and-greet at local department stores. She waited outside Tampa Stadium following each game with her autograph book and camera. Whatever money she had — from her allowance or holiday money — went for Rowdies memorabilia.

Nancy’s lifetime collection of Rowdies memorabilia is worthy of a museum (which she would love, so it could be properly displayed for all fans). She’s an original founder and now president of “Ralph’s Mob,’’ the franchise’s group of ardent supporters. She has worked for the Rowdies Team Store at Al Lang Stadium.

Since her high-school days in Seminole, Nancy has been a season-ticket holder for all iterations of the Rowdies franchise. She attends every home game (and as many road games as possible). Although she never played soccer, Nancy will tell everyone that it’s the best sport going.

Nancy has a cosmetology degree and once owned a hair business (Shapes Hair Design). She worked as a veterinary technician, while running a pet adoption agency, and is now a manager of Sentry Event Services, Inc., a security company. She rides horses, roller skates and volunteers to help people.

But those are jobs and vocations.

Nancy believes there’s one true passion in her life.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies!