Three-time World Series champion Terrance Gore has passed away at the age of 34. Despite having less than 100 plate appearances in an eight-season major league career, Gore was renowned for his exceptional speed.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Kansas City Royals confirmed Gore’s death. His wife Britney revealed that complications after a routine surgery were the cause of his death. Gore leaves behind his wife and their three children.
Despite only appearing in 112 regular season games and achieving 74 at-bats and 85 career plate appearances from 2014 to 2022, Gore’s legacy in the major leagues is unforgettable. His batting average was .216 with no home runs and a single RBI, and he reached a total of 16 career hits. His first hit was a single off Max Scherzer in 2018 while playing for the Cubs.
Gore’s speed made him a standout player in baseball history. He started his career with 17 successful steals in 17 attempts, ending with 43 steals from 52 attempts during regular seasons. In postseasons, he added another five steals in six attempts over 11 games. He was part of the championship teams of the 2015 Royals, 2020 Dodgers, and 2021 Braves.
Known for his confidence on the field, Gore’s speed was a game changer. At just 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 160 pounds, he could cover 40 yards in 4.29 seconds. His strategy as a pinch runner in tight games was particularly noted by Buck Showalter, who managed him with the Mets in 2022.
Selected by the Royals in the 20th round of the 2011 draft as the 606th overall pick, Gore was born in Macon, Georgia. He played at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. Despite his size, scouts were quickly drawn to his speed. This fit in with the Royals’ strategy at the time under former general manager Dayton Moore, who prioritized speed as a way to compete with larger-market teams.
Gore exemplified this approach, especially as a pinch runner during the Royals’ back-to-back American League pennants in 2014 and 2015, leading to the team’s first championship in 30 years. His fearless approach on the field was remembered by former teammate Eric Hosmer. The strategic use of Gore and fellow speedster Jarrod Dyson created a dynamic that left opposing defenses anxious.
After his time with the Royals, Gore played for the Cubs in 2018, the Royals again in 2019, then the Dodgers in 2020, and the Braves in 2021, earning more championship rings. He concluded his major league career with the Mets in 2022.
Following his retirement, Gore settled in Panama City, Florida, and worked as a speed and baseball trainer. He also coached his son’s baseball team, sharing the knowledge and techniques that had shaped his unique eight-year major league career.
Gore’s journey from a 20th-round draft selection to a three-time World Series champion is a testament to his determination and specialization. Although he continuously worked on his hitting and fielding skills, his willingness to embrace a specific role allowed him to contribute to multiple championship teams across different organizations and leagues.
