Three-time World Series champion Terrance Gore passed away at the age of 34, despite having less than 100 plate appearances in his eight-season major league career.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Kansas City Royals announced Gore’s demise. His wife, Britney, stated that complications following a routine surgical procedure led to his death. Britney and their three children survive him.
Throughout his eight-season MLB career from 2014 to 2022, Gore played in 112 regular season games, garnering 74 at-bats and 85 career plate appearances. Despite his batting average of .216 with no home runs and one RBI, his first hit, a single off Max Scherzer in 2018, is noteworthy.
However, his offensive records do not reflect his unique talent: Gore was among the fastest players in baseball history. He began his career with an impeccable 17-for-17 in steals, finishing with 43 stolen bases in 52 regular season attempts. In 11 postseason games, he stole five bases in six attempts, contributing to the championship victories of the 2015 Royals, 2020 Dodgers, and 2021 Braves.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, whose career also highlighted his speed as a base runner, labeled Gore as a confident base stealer.
Measuring 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 160 pounds, Gore’s speed was legendary. He completed the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds. In 2022, Mets manager Buck Showalter emphasized Gore’s significant role as a pinch runner in close games.
Gore was drafted by the Royals in the 20th round of the 2011 draft as the 606th overall pick. Born in Macon, Georgia, he played at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, where his exceptional speed was noted despite his small stature.
The Royals’ front office, under the leadership of former general manager Dayton Moore, strategically focused on speed during that period while building their championship roster. Moore believed in the importance of players impacting games with their speed, especially considering the franchise’s smaller payroll compared to larger-market competitors.
Gore epitomized this philosophy. Primarily used as a pinch runner, he played crucial roles during the Royals’ back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015, leading to the franchise’s first championship in 30 years. Eric Hosmer, Gore’s former teammate, remembered his fearless approach in playoff runs despite his limited big league experience.
Gore and fellow speedster Jarrod Dyson’s strategic use created tension for opposing defenses. When either entered games as pinch runners, the entire dynamic of the game shifted. Managers anticipated a steal attempt, but stopping Gore was nearly impossible. His speed and sliding technique made him a formidable player, even when defenses expected him to run.
In addition to the Royals, Gore played for the Cubs in 2018, recording his first memorable hit against future Hall of Famer Scherzer. He rejoined Royals in 2019 and later played for the Dodgers in 2020 and the Braves in 2021, earning championship rings with both teams.
His stint with the Braves in 2021 reflected his character as much as his athleticism. Post the Braves’ 2021 World Series victory, Gore ensured to include teammate Charlie Morton in the celebration via FaceTime.
Gore ended his major league career with the Mets in 2022.
After retiring, Gore resided in Panama City, Florida, working as a speed and baseball trainer. He also coached his son’s baseball team, sharing his expertise and techniques that were instrumental in his unique eight-year major league career.
From being a 20th-round draft pick to a three-time World Series champion, Gore’s journey was an epitome of determination and specialization. While he continuously worked on improving his skills as a hitter and outfielder, his readiness to accept a specific role allowed him to contribute to multiple championship teams across different organizations and leagues.