Despite having less than 100 career plate appearances across eight seasons in the major leagues, Terrance Gore was a three-time World Series champion. He has passed away at the age of 34.
His death on Friday, February 6, was announced by the Kansas City Royals on February 7. According to his wife Britney, Gore’s death was due to complications following a routine surgery. No other information was released. He leaves behind his wife and their three children.
Despite appearing in 112 regular-season games across eight MLB seasons from 2014 to 2022, Gore only had 74 at-bats and 85 career plate appearances. He had a career batting average of .216, zero home runs, and one RBI. He registered 16 career hits, the first of which came in 2018 during his time with the Cubs—a single off Max Scherzer.
However, Gore was known for his speed, not his hitting. He started his career with 17 successful steals in as many attempts, ending with 43 stolen bases in 52 attempts during the regular season. In postseason play, he stole five bases in six attempts over 11 games. His speed was a key factor in the 2015 Royals, 2020 Dodgers, and 2021 Braves championship runs.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, known for his own speed during his playing days, referred to Gore as a confident base stealer.
At just 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, Gore’s speed was legendary. He clocked a 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds. Buck Showalter, Gore’s manager with the Mets in 2022, highlighted his impact as a pinch runner in tight games.
Gore, a native of Macon, Georgia, was selected by the Royals in the 20th round of the 2011 draft as the 606th overall pick. He had showcased his exceptional speed at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, despite his smaller stature.
Under former general manager Dayton Moore, the Royals’ front office emphasized speed during their championship roster build. This strategy was particularly important given the franchise’s smaller payroll when compared to larger-market competitors.
Gore epitomized this philosophy. Primarily used as a pinch runner, he played key roles in the Royals’ back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015, ultimately contributing to the franchise’s first championship in three decades. Former teammate Eric Hosmer praised Gore’s fearless approach during these playoff runs.
The use of Gore and fellow speedster Jarrod Dyson as pinch runners created a strategic advantage. Their presence on the bases would shift the dynamic of the game, with opposing defenses often unable to stop the inevitable steal attempts.
Apart from the Royals, Gore played for the Cubs in 2018, the Dodgers in 2020, and the Braves in 2021, earning championship rings with each team. His first hit, a memorable single off future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, occurred during his stint with the Cubs.
Gore’s time with the Braves highlighted his character as much as his athletic prowess. After the Braves’ 2021 World Series victory, he ensured to include teammate Charlie Morton in the celebrations via FaceTime.
Gore concluded his major league career with the Mets in 2022.
Following his retirement, Gore moved to Panama City, Florida, where he worked as a speed and baseball trainer. He also coached his son’s baseball team, imparting the knowledge and techniques that propelled his unique eight-year major league career.
From a 20th-round draft pick to a three-time World Series champion, Gore’s journey epitomized persistence and specialization. His willingness to master a specific role allowed him to contribute to multiple championship teams across varying leagues and organizations.
