The man who took over at third base w
On Friday, Ryan Minor, a minor league manager and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, lost his fight with cancer. 49 was his age.
Minor began receiving hospice care this month after receiving a colon cancer diagnosis in 2022.
For Orioles fans, Minor is most remembered for being the player who took Cal Ripken Jr.’s spot at third base near the end of Ripken’s MLB record string of consecutive games.
On September 20, 1998, Ripken called it quits on his streak after 2,632 games. Minor took his place at third base from the outset.
On September 20, 1998, Ripken called it quits on his streak after 2,632 games. Minor took his place at third base from the outset.
For Minor, who ended up playing just 142 MLB games for the Orioles and the Montreal Expos, it was not the beginning of a Hall-of-Fame career. However, he did eventually establish himself as a manager in the Orioles’ minor league system.
The Orioles released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former third baseman and longtime minor league manager Ryan Minor, who courageously fought cancer.” “Ryan’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.”
2008 saw him begin coaching with the Class-A affiliate of the Orioles, the Delmarva Shorebirds. In 2010, he assumed managerial duties, and in 2013, he spent time with High-A Frederick. In 2014–17, he brought Delmarva back, and in 2018, he took over at Frederick. When the 2018 season ended, the Orioles decided not to extend his contract.
In 2023, Delmarva retired Minor’s jersey.
Minor served as a manager for the Detroit Tigers through the 2021 campaign.
At the University of Oklahoma, Minor excelled in two sports and was named the Big 8 Player of the Year in 1995 in addition to being an All-American basketball player. He was chosen in the 33rd round of the 1994 College World Series after helping the Sooners win the baseball championship.
hen Cal Ripken Jr. ended his run of consecutive games was Ryan Minor.