Former Shorebirds manager Ryan Minor passes away

Courtesy: MLB

Courtesy: MLB

SALISBURY, Md. – Ryan Minor, the man who replaced Cal Ripken Jr. to end his games-played streak and former Shorebirds manager, has died at the age of 49.

Minor had been moved to hospice care as he continued to fight valiantly against Stage 4 colon cancer.

The Baltimore Orioles sending out the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former third baseman and longtime minor league manager Ryan Minor, who courageously fought cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family and friends at this time.”

Ryan’s twin brother, Damon, sharing this message after learning the news:

“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..”

Minor was the manager for the Delmarva Shorebirds during two stints. From 2010-12, and from 2014-17. And because of his time in service to the Shorebirds, the team retired his number 44 on August 5th this past season.

Minor was a remarkable two-sport athlete. He was named the Big Eight Conference Co-Player of the Year for men’s basketball during the 1994-95 season. He was then drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 draft, the same year Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant were drafted into the league.

He was also selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 33rd round of the MLB Draft that same year.

The corner infielder played a full season with the Shorebirds in 1997. He hit 24 home runs, drove in 97 runs, and batted .307