Baltimore Orioles’ Ryan Minor: A Life Cut Short

Image: Remembering Ryan Minor: A Baseball Journey Cut Short

Ryan Minor, a former Baltimore Orioles infielder, and the man who replaced baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., has passed away at the age of 49. Minor, who was a part of baseball history, died of cancer.

Drafted by the Orioles in 1996, Minor made his major league debut in the 1998 season. However, his career took a significant turn when he was thrust into the spotlight on September 20, 1998. In the team’s final home game of the season, Cal Ripken Jr. decided to end his record-setting consecutive games streak at 2,632 games. Minor was called upon to replace Ripken, starting at third base for the first time in his career.

Minor went on to play parts of four seasons for the Orioles and Montreal Expos, appearing in 142 major league games. He later managed the Delmarva Shorebirds, an Orioles minor league affiliate, and the Frederick Keys. In 1997, Minor hit 24 home runs for Delmarva while working his way toward the majors.

Ryan Minor’s journey in baseball was not limited to the field. He was also a talented basketball player, helping the University of Oklahoma win a national title in 1994. He was named Big Eight Player of the Year in 1995 and was drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996.

In recognition of his achievements, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame recently announced that Minor would be part of its 2024 class of inductees.

The Baltimore Orioles expressed their condolences on social media, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former third baseman and longtime minor league manager Ryan Minor, who courageously fought cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family and friends at this time.”

Ryan Minor’s life and career in baseball will be remembered as a journey cut short, but his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.