I looked one last time at the tickets, just to make sure they were all there. Three for Friday, April 10, Opening Day vs. Toronto. Two apiece for Friday through Sunday, May 8-10, vs. California. They were all there.

I said goodbye to my newly made friends still in line, and I cut out the side door. Stuffing the tickets into my pocket, I let out a whoop.

People outside gave me funny looks. I didn't care, for I was a battered but triumphant warrior.

Was it worth it? Were nine tickets to baseball games four months away worth wasting an entire day?

Probably not.

But baseball is a magical sport. Every one of us has fantasized about being on the mound, or at the plate, or in the field in the middle of that crucial game that will decide the pennant.

It is also a game of eternal optimism. The Boston Red Sox have thrived on that optimism for 68 years, ever since that last World Series victory in 1918.

After an ending like last year's, optimism is a must for Red Sox fans as well. That's why I waited in line, and that's why 2000 other people did too.

So if it wasn't worth it, would I still do it again?

You bet.

Because every time during the next few months when it snows or freezes, all I have to do is open my desk drawer and see those nine tickets sitting there and I'm fine.

Because April 10 will be here sooner than you think.

So to hell with winter. Let's just make spring training a little bit longer this year.