Obituary – Cause of Death : Ryan Minor, Former Orioles Infielder Who Ended Cal Ripken Jr.’s Streak, Dies at 49

Ryan Minor, a former Orioles infielder who gained fame for replacing Cal Ripken Jr. and ending his historic streak, passed away at the age of 49 after a battle with cancer. The news of his death was announced by CBS Sports MLB on December 23, 2023.

Ryan Minor was born on January 5, 1974, in Canton, Ohio. He attended Canton Central Catholic High School, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. His exceptional skills on the baseball field earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma.

In 1996, Minor was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft. He started his professional career in the minor leagues, playing for the Frederick Keys and the Bowie Baysox. His impressive performance in the minors caught the attention of the Orioles’ management, and he was called up to the major leagues in September 1997.

However, it was in 1998 that Ryan Minor made headlines and etched his name in baseball history. On September 20, 1998, Cal Ripken Jr., one of the most iconic figures in the sport, voluntarily ended his consecutive games played streak of 2,632 games. Minor was chosen to replace Ripken at third base, marking the end of an era. It was a tremendous honor and a daunting task for Minor to step into the shoes of a baseball legend.

Despite the pressure and expectations, Minor handled the situation with grace and professionalism. He played in the final two games of the season and made a significant impact, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. This achievement solidified his place in Orioles history and earned him the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike.

After his time with the Orioles, Minor continued his professional baseball career with various teams, including the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics. He also played internationally in Japan for the Yokohama BayStars. Minor’s versatility as an infielder and his consistent performance made him a valuable asset wherever he played.

Unfortunately, in recent years, Minor faced a challenging battle with cancer. Although the exact details of his illness are unknown, his determination and resilience were evident as he fought against the disease. Ryan Minor’s positive attitude and unwavering spirit inspired many, both within and outside the baseball community.

Minor’s legacy will be remembered not only for his role in ending Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak but also for his dedication to the game and his ability to overcome adversity. He will forever be a symbol of strength and perseverance, serving as an inspiration to future generations of baseball players.

The news of Ryan Minor’s passing has left the baseball world in mourning. Tributes and condolences have poured in from fans, former teammates, and baseball organizations. The impact he had on the sport and the lives he touched will never be forgotten.

Although Ryan Minor may no longer be with us, his legacy will continue to live on. His contributions to the game and his remarkable journey will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made a lasting impact on the sport he loved..

Ryan Minor, former Orioles infielder who replaced Cal Ripken Jr. to end streak, dies at 49 after cancer battlehttps://t.co/SAU5QkZkVS

— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) December 23, 2023

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@CBSSportsMLB said Ryan Minor, former Orioles infielder who replaced Cal Ripken Jr. to end streak, dies at 49 after cancer battle cbssports.com/mlb/news/ryan-…