Terrance Gore, a speedy outfielder who played for three World Series champions across parts of eight major league seasons, has died at the age of 34. Chad Funderburk, a family friend and associate through Gore's baseball academy, confirmed his death on Friday night, adding that the family would provide further details when ready.
Gore was best known for his athleticism, but Funderburk emphasised his kindness. “Just a giving, giving man to so many youth ... That’s just who Terrance was,” he said. The Georgia native was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2011 amateur draft and made his MLB debut in 2014.
Over 112 regular-season games with the Royals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, Gore batted .216, scored 33 runs and stole 43 bases in 52 attempts. He was primarily used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement, stealing 23 bases before recording his first hit in September 2018.
Gore appeared in two postseason games during Kansas City’s 2015 championship run, played two regular-season games for the 2020 World Series-winning Dodgers, and featured in one NL playoff game for the 2021 champion Atlanta Braves. “If the score was tied and you got him into the game to run, it was like the game was over,” said Buck Showalter, his manager with the Mets in 2022.
Royals general manager JJ Picollo described Gore as “an unforgettable part of our organisation with a unique talent that catapulted him to some of the biggest moments in Royals history.” Former Royals executive Dayton Moore added: “He was unstoppable as a base stealer, and he inspired athletes throughout our country to pursue baseball.”
