The world of sports mourns the loss of Ryan Minor, a former two-sport star for the Oklahoma Sooners, who passed away after bravely battling Stage IV colon cancer. Ryan’s twin brother, Damon, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, marking the end of a valiant fight against the illness. He was 49 years old.

In an emotional post on X/Twitter, Damon Minor expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support during Ryan’s courageous battle. “He truly was the best twin brother you can ask for,” wrote Damon. “His family and I want to thank everyone for the prayers and support during this time. BOOMER SOONER.”

The Minor brothers, hailing from Hammon High School, made an indelible mark at the University of Oklahoma, guiding the OU baseball team to a victorious College World Series title in 1994. The impact of Ryan’s passing reverberated across the sports community, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from former teammates and coaches.

Kenny Gajewski, a member of the 1994 baseball team and currently the Oklahoma State softball coach, mourned the loss, stating, “Lost a brother today. Sending prayers to the Minor Family.” Reflecting on Ryan’s character, Kelvin Sampson, Houston men’s basketball coach and Ryan’s coach during 1994-96 at OU, praised his unparalleled competitive spirit and skills on the court.

Ryan Minor’s journey extended beyond collegiate success. He was drafted by the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles, etching his name in baseball history by replacing the legendary Cal Ripken Jr. in the Orioles’ starting lineup, concluding Ripken’s record streak of 2,632 consecutive starts. After stints with the Orioles and the Expos, Ryan transitioned to coaching, contributing to the Orioles’ minor league coaching and management in Maryland from 2006.

In an interview with The Oklahoman last year, Ryan expressed gratitude for the enduring support from the people of Oklahoma, recognizing their unwavering loyalty. “Been a long time,” he remarked. “People still want to talk about my days there … it’s really remarkable that I feel like I had some type of impact on somebody.”

Ryan Minor’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the field. He leaves behind a profound impact on the sports community and the hearts of those who admired his resilience, talent, and unwavering determination. His memory will forever be cherished, a testament to the strength and spirit of a true sportsman and a beloved figure in Oklahoma’s sports history.

Keywords: Ryan Minor, Oklahoma Sooners, colon cancer, sports star, College World Series, tributes, Baltimore Orioles, Cal Ripken Jr., coaching, legacy, sports community, resilience, determination, Oklahoma sports history.