Ryan Minor, Orioles 3B Replaced Cal Ripken End Record-Setting Streak, Dies 49

Baltimore Orioles infielder Ryan Minor, who replaced Cal Ripken in 1998, has died. He was 49. Orioles and Oklahoma University released statements.

Former Baltimore Orioles infielder and minor league manager, Ryan Minor, has tragically passed away at the age of 49 after a courageous battle with cancer. The University of Oklahoma, where Minor excelled in both baseball and basketball, announced his death on Friday.

Minor's career with the Orioles began in 1996 when he was drafted by the team. He made his major league debut in 1998 and just a week later, he found himself in the spotlight when he replaced Cal Ripken Jr. at third base, marking the end of Ripken's record-setting consecutive games streak.

Throughout his career, Minor played for the Orioles and the Montreal Expos, appearing in 142 major league games. His impact on the Orioles' minor league teams was also significant, particularly with the Delmarva Shorebirds, where he hit 24 home runs in 1997 and later managed the team from 2010-2012 and 2014-2017. The Shorebirds retired his No. 44 jersey this past summer, making it the first in team history to be retired.

During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Minor was a standout player in both baseball and basketball. He was part of the Sooners' national title-winning baseball team in 1994 and was named Big Eight Player of the Year in basketball in 1995. Standing at 6-foot-6, Minor's talents led to him being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 1996 NBA Draft.

In recognition of his outstanding career, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced that Minor would be inducted into its 2024 class. His impact on the world of sports, both as a player and a manager, will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Minor's family and friends during this difficult time.