Remembering the career of Ryan Minor
Former Baltimore Orioles third baseman and longtime minor league manager, Ryan Minor, has passed away after a brave battle with cancer. The news was shared by the Baltimore Orioles on their official social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). Minor, who was drafted by the Orioles in the 33rd round of the 1996 MLB Draft, played in 87 games over three seasons with the team.
A tribute from the Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles expressed their deep sadness over the passing of Ryan Minor and extended their thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. Minor’s contribution to the team included filling in for Cal Ripken Jr., who held the record for the longest consecutive-games-played streak in MLB history. On September 20, 1998, Minor took over third base in place of Ripken, marking the end of Ripken’s impressive streak at 2,632 games.
A career in baseball and beyond
Although Minor’s MLB career spanned 142 games, during which he recorded a batting average of .177 and 27 RBIs, his passion for the sport extended beyond playing. He went on to become a coach in Baltimore’s minor league system, managing teams such as the Delmarva Shorebirds and the Frederick Keys.
From the baseball diamond to the basketball court
Before his baseball career, Minor made a name for himself in college basketball. He was named the 1994-95 Big Eight Conference Player of the Year while playing under the guidance of head coach Kelvin Sampson. Sampson, expressing his admiration for Minor, described him as the “ultimate warrior and fierce competitor” and praised his exceptional scoring abilities.
A legacy and recognition
Tragically, Minor was diagnosed with cancer last fall. However, his impact on the world of sports was recently acknowledged when he was named as a member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame 2024 class. This honor serves as a testament to the indelible mark he left on the sports community.
Ryan Minor’s passing is a loss felt deeply by both the baseball and basketball communities. His memory will live on as a reminder of his dedication, talent, and the impact he made in the world of sports.