Ryan Minor, who replaced Cal Ripken to end record streak, dead at 49

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Ryan Minor, who played in four MLB seasons and replaced Cal Ripken Jr. when he decided to end his consecutive-games streak, died Friday at the age of 49. 

The University of Oklahoma said that Minor passed away from cancer. Minor was an All-American in basketball and helped the OU baseball team to the 1994 national title as a first baseman and pitcher. 

2Infielder Ryan Minor of the Baltimore Orioles in action during a spring training game against the Montreal Expos at Fort Lauderdale Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Orioles defeated the Expos 11-9.  (Jamie Squire  /All)

He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 33rd round of the 1996 MLB Draft and appeared in 87 games over three seasons with the Orioles. 

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"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former third baseman and longtime minor league manager Ryan Minor, who courageously fought cancer," Baltimore posted to X, the company formerly known as Twitter. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family and friends at this time." 

Ripken ended his consecutive-games-played streak on September 20, 1998 at 2,632. Minor played third base in place of Ripken. 

Baltimore Orioles' third baseman Ryan Minor leaps but misses a ball hit by Detroit Tigers' Brad Ausmus during the fourth inning of a baseball game August 8, 1999, at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Former Orioles infielder Minor has died at age 49. The University of Oklahoma said that Minor died of cancer Friday, December 22, 2023.  (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

"I had no idea, when I was coming to the park," Minor said at the time, according to