If the Orioles use replacement players, they may have to get replacement fans.
At least, that's what the results of the latest It's Your Call survey indicate.
Last week, The Sun asked readers whether they would attend Orioles games next season if owners opt to use replacements for striking major-league players. The respondents on Sundial, The Baltimore Sun's telephone information service, overwhelmingly said they would stay away from the ballpark, 773-225.
The Sun call-in results contradict a national poll by the Associated Press released last week, in which 51 percent of those surveyed said they would attend just as many major-league games if replacement players were used.
Sundial respondents also expressed concern about the possible end of Cal Ripken's consecutive-games streak -- this was mentioned by 16 callers.
"I want to see the real thing out there on the field," said Don Cross of Owings Mills. "So that's why I wouldn't come to see nonunion players, because the big thing is Cal and plus the integrity of the game.
"We're a major-league team. We don't want minor-league players in a beautiful ballpark like Camden Yards."
Brian Nesbit of Towson said: "It's completely absurd that the owners would even think of fielding nonunion players so they could have a team next year and keep the season going. It's just a shame.
"It just shows how greedy that they can be and how little respect they have for the institution of baseball itself. It would completely destroy our American pastime as we all know it."
Money was much on the minds of many respondents.
"Why pay major-league prices to watch minor-league teams?" said Rich Melnick of Baltimore. "You're probably better off going to Little League games."
On the other hand, Steve Morris of Columbia said: "I think it would be just great to sit in the stands and enjoy a beer and watch baseball players making less money than I'm making."
It even might be a better game, some said.
"I would love to see baseball players who play for the game," said Mike Pastore of Baltimore.
And then there are those totally turned off by baseball's work stoppage.
"I don't believe I'm going to attend any Oriole games during the next season whether they're union or not union players, because I'm disgusted with the whole affair," said Mickey Dressler of Reisterstown.