In the movie “Knocked Up,” a man tells his wife he’s leaving the house to go hear a band.

The wife, thinking he might be up to no good, finds him at a fantasy baseball draft. Considering this nerdy pursuit to be even worse than a betrayal, she bursts into tears.

It’s that time of year again. Drafts are occurring across the country, and while my fascination with fantasy has largely run its course (much like when I stopped collecting baseball cards), I marvel at the passion for the hobby shown by others.

A year ago at this time, my friend Mike announced he was taking the 2011 baseball season off, citing the overwhelming burden of three children under 5. But he’s back at it this year, in multiple leagues, and it’s not as if the kids went anywhere.

This stuff can be addictive, and it can test a fan’s loyalty. Think real sports are cutthroat? They have nothing on the fantasy world.

Say you’re a Washington Nationals fan (there must be some). When you learned this week that ace relief pitcher Drew Storen has no structural damage in his throwing elbow, you were relieved. But if Storen isn’t on your fantasy roster, a part of you would just as soon see him lost for the year — and don’t try to deny it.

I was in a league with a perennial noncontender who would scour his competitors’ rosters for illegalities, then report back to the commissioner. I think he may have had a bit too much time on his hands. But after accusing everyone of cheating at one time or another, this guy was back the next year, again coughing up his entry fee and finishing near the bottom.

Note to wives: Even harmless addictions die hard.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland @DaytonDailyNews.com