Obituary – Cause of Death : Ryan Minor, Orioles 3B Who Replaced Cal Ripken, Dies at 49

Ryan Minor, the former Orioles third baseman who made headlines for replacing Cal Ripken Jr. at the end of his record-setting streak, has tragically passed away at the age of 49. The news of his untimely demise was confirmed by a tweet from Post-Gazette Sports.

Ryan Minor was born on January 5, 1974, in Canton, Ohio. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he excelled as a baseball player. In 1996, Minor was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh round of the MLB Draft. He quickly climbed through the minor league ranks, showcasing his exceptional skills and earning a call-up to the major leagues in 1997.

Unfortunately, Minor’s time in the majors was overshadowed by the incredible legacy of Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken, known as the “Iron Man,” set the record for the most consecutive games played with an astonishing 2,632 games. As fate would have it, Minor found himself in the spotlight when Ripken voluntarily decided to end his streak on September 20, 1998. Minor filled in for Ripken at third base, marking the end of an era.

Despite the immense pressure of following in Ripken’s footsteps, Minor remained focused on his game. He played a total of 151 games in the major leagues, hitting .177 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs. Though his career in the big leagues was relatively short-lived, Minor’s impact on the sport and the Orioles organization should not be overlooked.

Following his time in the major leagues, Minor continued to play baseball in the minor leagues for several years. He had stints with various teams, including the New Britain Rock Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and the independent league team, the Somerset Patriots. Minor’s love for the game was evident as he continued to pursue his passion despite the challenges he faced.

While the cause of Ryan Minor’s death remains unknown, his legacy as a professional baseball player and his role in one of the most iconic moments in Orioles history will always be remembered. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, with fans and fellow players expressing their condolences on social media.

The Baltimore Orioles organization released a statement expressing their sadness over the loss of Minor. “We are deeply saddened by the news of Ryan Minor’s passing. He will forever be a part of Orioles history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Many fans and former teammates have also taken to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to Minor. He is remembered as a dedicated player who gave his all on the field and as a respected teammate who brought a positive energy to the clubhouse.

Ryan Minor’s death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact that individuals can have, even in the face of adversity. As the baseball community mourns the loss of a talented athlete, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. May he rest in peace..

Ryan Minor, Orioles 3B who replaced Cal Ripken at the end of his record-setting streak, dies at 49 https://t.co/Q5YcIZGRmD

— Post-Gazette Sports (@PGSportsNow) December 23, 2023

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@PGSportsNow said Ryan Minor, Orioles 3B who replaced Cal Ripken at the end of his record-setting streak, dies at 49 post-gazette.com/news/obituarie…