Terrance Gore, former member of the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets, has passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 34.
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Gore’s career trajectory was among the most unique in MLB history.
Drafted out of Gulf Coast State College in 2011 by the Royals, Gore made a quick tun through the Kansas City farm system, powered almost entirely by his prodigious speed. The hyper-focus on his running essentially forced him into a role-playing position for the rest of his major league career.
But few in recent memory played their roles better than Gore.
The odd, quirky MLB run of Terrance Gore
Apr 21, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals pinch runner Terrance Gore (0) tries to run back to first during a run down in the tenth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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The native of Macon, Georgia played for the Royals from 2014-17 and in 2019, the Cubs in 2018, the Dodgers in 2020, the Braves in 2021, and the Mets in 2022.
Gore’s career tally showcases the truly odd nature of his MLB run as an elite pinch runner.
For example, he had 43 career regular season stolen bases, but only 16 career hits and 7 bases on balls. In the postseason, he had 5 stolen bases on zero hits and walks. Over the course of his short career, the speed-only bench piece collected a staggering 3 World Series rings, despite only actually playing in one World Series as a pinch runner (with the Royals in 2014).
Overall, he retired a .216 hitter over 112 big league games.
The Chicago Cubs connection
Sep 10, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Terrance Gore (1) leads off of second base during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
The Royals traded the speedy outfielder to the Cubs in August of 2018 for cash considerations as Chicago was looking to fortify their postseason roster.
With the Cubs, Gore actually got his first big league hit– despite him already being in his fifth big league season.
That year with the North Siders, he had just that one hit in 5 plate appearances, but he registered 6 stolen bases. In the Cubs’ Wild Card Series loss against the Colorado Rockies, Gore had 2 plate appearances, zero hits, and one stolen base.
Gore’s move out of the spotlight
Jul 4, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Terrance Gore (0) scores on a bunt by Kansas City Royals second baseman Adalberto Mondesi (27) at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Rohman/MLS/USA TODAY Sports
Gore’s major league run would eventually end as age caught up to him and his elite-level foot speed became slightly less elite. His last year was with the Mets in 2022, where he played his usual role of late-season addition/postseason pinch runner.
Since 2024, he had worked at a hitting facility he co-owns in Panama City, Florida and had become a popular and well-respected member of the Northwest Florida sports community. He is survived by his wife and three children. Per social media post by Gore’s wife, Britney, Gore died following “what was supposed to have been a simple procedure.”
Royals minor league affiliate, the Omaha Storm Chasers, acknowledged Gore’s passing and paid tribute to their former team member Saturday morning on social media:
“We join the Gore family and the world of baseball in mourning the passing of Terrance Gore.
Known for his great speed but even more so for his kindness and joyful smile, Terrance will be remembered as a tremendous teammate and a dedicated family man.”
We join the Gore family and the world of baseball in mourning the passing of Terrance Gore.
Known for his great speed but even more so for his kindness and joyful smile, Terrance will be remembered as a tremendous teammate and a dedicated family man. pic.twitter.com/xEvMjHdITF
— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) February 7, 2026
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