Ryan Minor, a two-sport star on the College of Oklahoma who began in Cal Ripken’s spot within the lineup to finish the Corridor of Famer’s document consecutive video games performed streak, died on Friday after a battle with colon most cancers, his twin brother Damon posted on social media.
He was 49.
“He actually was the perfect twin brother you’ll be able to ask for. His household and I wish to thank everybody for the prayers and help throughout this time,” Damon wrote on X.
Earlier than his professional profession, Minor excelled on each the baseball subject and basketball court docket, averaging over 20 factors in his junior and senior years at Oklahoma earlier than getting chosen 32nd general by the 76ers within the 1996 NBA Draft.
He performed in a couple of preseason video games for Philadelphia earlier than his launch.
He was additionally a pressure for the Oklahoma baseball staff, serving to lead the Sooners to a 1994 nationwide title, getting named to the School World Collection all-tournament.
After getting drafted twice — 1992 by the Orioles and 1995 by the Mets — Minor signed on with the Orioles after he was taken within the 1996 draft.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former third baseman and longtime minor league supervisor Ryan Minor, who courageously fought most cancers,” the Orioles mentioned in a press release. “Our ideas and prayers are with Ryan’s household and mates right now.”
He spent three huge league seasons with the Orioles, most notably taking Ripken’s spot within the lineup on Sept. 20, 1998, which ended the Iron Horse’s document streak of consecutive video games performed at 2,632.
“I had no concept once I was coming to the park,” Minor mentioned then, per the Related Press.
He hit 5 homers with 27 RBIs over 4 seasons, spending his final huge league season with the Expos in 2001.
He managed and coached within the minor leagues, together with within the Orioles system, after his taking part in profession.
In November, he was named as a part of the 2024 class of inductees to the Oklahoma Sports activities Corridor of Fame, in line with the Oklahoman.
He’s survived by his spouse, Allyson, and two daughters.