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Ryan Minor, infielder who replaced Cal Ripken to end consecutive games streak, dead at 49

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Social Links for Andrew Battifarano
Published Dec. 23, 2023, 12:42 a.m. ET

Ryan Minor, a two-sport star at the University of Oklahoma who started in Cal Ripken’s spot in the lineup to end the Hall of Famer’s record consecutive games played streak, died on Friday after a battle with colon cancer, his twin brother Damon posted on social media.

He was 49.

“He truly was the best twin brother you can ask for. His family and I want to thank everyone for the prayers and support during this time,” Damon wrote on X.

Before his pro career, Minor excelled on both the baseball field and basketball court, averaging over 20 points in his junior and senior years at Oklahoma before getting selected 32nd overall by the 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft.

He played in a few preseason games for Philadelphia before his release.

He was also a force for the Oklahoma baseball team, helping lead the Sooners to a 1994 national title, getting named to the College World Series all-tournament.

Baltimore Orioles' third baseman Ryan Minor leaps and misses a ball hit by Detroit Tigers' Brad Ausmus during the fourth inning Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999, at Camden Yards in Baltimore.
Orioles third baseman Ryan Minor leaps and misses a ball hit by the Tigers’ Brad Ausmus during the fourth inning on Aug. 8, 1999, at Camden Yards in Baltimore. ASSOCIATED PRESS

After getting drafted twice — 1992 by the Orioles and 1995 by the Mets — Minor signed on with the Orioles after he was taken in the 1996 draft.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former third baseman and longtime minor league manager Ryan Minor, who courageously fought cancer,” the Orioles said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family and friends at this time.”

He spent three big league seasons with the Orioles, most notably taking Ripken’s spot in the lineup on Sept. 20, 1998, which ended the Iron Horse’s record streak of consecutive games played at 2,632.

Baltimore Orioles' third baseman Ryan Minor (L) fields the ball under the watchful eye of veteran Cal Ripken (R) during spring training workouts in Ft. Lauderdale.
Orioles third baseman Ryan Minor (L) fields the ball under the watchful eye
of veteran Cal Ripken during spring training workouts in Fort Lauderdale. REUTERS

“I had no idea when I was coming to the park,” Minor said then, per the Associated Press.

He hit five homers with 27 RBIs over four seasons, spending his last big league season with the Expos in 2001.

He managed and coached in the minor leagues, including in the Orioles system, after his playing career.

In November, he was named as part of the 2024 class of inductees to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, according to the Oklahoman.

He is survived by his wife, Allyson, and two daughters.