Ryan Minor, who played in four MLB seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos, passed away on Friday.
Minor was 49, exactly two weeks shy of his 50th birthday.
The news of his passing was shared by Minor’s twin brother and fellow former MLB player, Damon Minor.
“After a courageous and hard fought battle I’m sad to say that Ryan lost his fight with cancer this afternoon,” Damon announced on Friday, evening. “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. BOOMER SOONER.”
After a courageous and hard fought battle I’m sad to say that Ryan lost his fight with cancer this afternoon. 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. BOOMER SOONER.. pic.twitter.com/MRqaHrhbSj
— Damon Minor (@ReedMinor) December 23, 2023
As a rookie, Minor was the starting third baseman for the Orioles on Sept. 20, 1998, starting in place of Cal Ripken Jr. Earlier in the day, Ripken decided to end his record-setting consecutive games played streak at 2,632. Minor remained in the organization through the 2000 season. He was traded to Montreal ahead of the 2001 season and went between the Expos and the Triple-A Ottawa Lynx.
After his playing career, Minor moved into coaching and later managing at the Minor League level.
In addition to his baseball career, the 6-foot-7 Minor was also a standout basketball player. While at Oklahoma, he was First-team All-Big Eight in both 1995 and 1996, winning the conference’s Player of the Year honors in 1995. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and played briefly professionally for the Oklahoma Cavalry of the Continental Basketball Association before joining the Baltimore organization full-time ahead of the 1997 season.
Minor was honored across the sports world as news of his passing broke.
The Frederick Keys are devastated to learn that Ryan Minor passed away this afternoon after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1996 he managed the Keys in 2013, 2018, and 2019. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family at this time. https://t.co/BTPQ4qsrkk pic.twitter.com/EvPbtA9YFW
— Frederick Keys (@FrederickKeys) December 23, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Sooner great Ryan Minor.
He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. ❤️🤍 https://t.co/1uxezky0Cz
— Oklahoma Basketball (@OU_MBBall) December 23, 2023
This is heartbreaking. Had the pleasure to interview Ryan several times over the years. And to just talk. A great, great guy who loved his time in baseball. RIP Ryan Minor. https://t.co/YwZLzFORm0
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) December 23, 2023
Ryan Minor was my first sports hero, and really my introduction to loving OU athletics. I was 9 in 1994 and my dad took me to the Big 8 tournament at All Sports Stadium and I got a baseball signed by Ryan and Damon.
RIP to Ryan Minor, a forever Sooner legend. https://t.co/l4zfjVvJVt
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) December 23, 2023
Very sad to learn of the death of Ryan Minor. He was a very nice man. #Orioles
— Rich DubroffMLB (@RichDubroffMLB) December 23, 2023
We're so saddened by the loss of Ryan Minor 💔
A heartbreaking day for Sooner nation.
Please keep your prayers going for the Minor family during this time. https://t.co/zE8Z6oHgYu
— OU Football Radio Crew (@OURadioCrew) December 23, 2023
Most would mention the tie of Ryan Minor to my dad.
However I had my own connection with Ryan. I had opportunity to play for him in Frederick. He was a guy I loved being around. During a tough time that year, whether he knew it or not, he helped restore confidence in myself as… https://t.co/b5EZKbbslz
— Ryan Ripken (@ryanripken) December 23, 2023
[Damon Minor on Twitter/X]
