Ryan Dale Minor

Ryan Dale Minor, 49, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 22, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on January 5, 1974, in Canton, OH, Ryan's early life was marked by a strong sense of determination and a love for sports that would define his career and touch the lives of many.
A proud graduate of Hammon High School, Ryan's talent and drive led him to further his education and sports career at the University of Oklahoma from 1992-1996, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete in baseball and basketball. He was part of the 1994 College World Series National Championship Team. With the Sooners basketball team, he was a 2-time All-American and named Big Eight Player of the Year in 1995.
His collegiate years were a prelude to an illustrious professional career that began when he was drafted in the 2nd round by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. After a short stint in professional basketball, Ryan began his professional baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles in 1997. His baseball career was nothing short of inspirational. He made his major league debut in 1998 and is most remembered for replacing Cal Ripken on the night he ended his consecutive game streak. Ryan continued with the Orioles until 2000, joined the Montreal Expos in 2001, and finished his career with the Lancaster Barnstormers in 2005.
After his time on the field, Ryan transitioned into coaching, where he became a respected Minor League coach and manager. His ability to inspire young athletes and share his love for the game made a lasting impact on countless individuals, both on and off the field. Ryan's legacy in the world of baseball is one of not just talent, but of mentorship and leadership. He was inducted into the Eastern Shore Baseball Hall of Fame and is a 2024 inductee in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Nancy Ellen Minor; his wife, Allyson Minor; his two daughters Reagan and Finley; his brother Damon Minor; sister-in-law, Allison Minor; two nephews Jackson and Easton Minor; and in-laws Robert Freeman, Albanus Phillips III, and Faye Phillips. He is preceded in death by his father Ronald Dale Minor and mother-in-law Lynda Freeman.
Ryan's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Coastal Hospice, for their compassionate care during his final weeks. Their dedication to Ryan's comfort and dignity was a comfort to all.
Ryan's life was a testament to his strength, courage, and the depth of his character. He faced every challenge, including his final battle with cancer, with grace and determination. His legacy will be carried on in the hearts of the countless individuals he touched throughout his life and career. His absence leaves a void in the baseball community and in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
There will be visitation from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, January 5, at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Dr. Salisbury, MD. A funeral service will be held at Emmanuel on Saturday, January 6 at 2:00 PM, with visitation an hour prior.
The family has established an endowment at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, in Ryan's memory. Donations can be sent to the Ryan Minor Memorial Fund (payable to CFES with name of the fund in the memo), 1324 Belmont Ave Suite 401, Salisbury, MD 21804. You may also donate online to CFES.org/donate.
A second memorial fund was set up in Ryan's name through The University of Oklahoma's Sooners for Life Scholarship Fund
https://soonersports.evenue.net/www/ev_ou/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=minor&siteId=ev_ou&locale=en_US&linkID=ou%3E
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either memorial fund.
Funeral Services for Ryan Dale Minor will begin Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm EST.