Terrance Gore, speedster who won 3 World Series, dies at 34

Former big-league outfielder Terrance Gore, whose blazing speed made him a key bench player and pinch-running specialist for three World Series-winning clubs, died Friday at age 34.

Gore died following complications from a routine surgery, according to a social media post from his wife, Britney.

Gore became a fan favorite at each of his big-league stops, thanks to his unique skill set and infectious personality. While never a strong hitter, he played a vital role on multiple playoff teams as a pinch-runner who could change the game solely with his legs.

He's perhaps most famous for his contributions to the Kansas City Royals during their 2014 and 2015 postseason runs. He stole five bases in his first taste of the majors late in the 2014 campaign then swiped another three and scored two runs in the playoffs to help Kansas City win a pennant. The following year, Gore again served in that role for the 2015 Royals, who won the World Series.

"Terrance was an unforgettable part of our organization with a unique talent that catapulted him to some of the biggest moments in Royals history," president of baseball operations JJ Picollo said in a statement to KMBC's Jackson Kurtz. "While his speed and athleticism were what most people immediately noticed, those of us who had the opportunity to know him also remember his energy, his humility, and the impact he made in big moments on the game's biggest stage."

Gore appeared as a pinch-runner for four teams during five different postseasons, stealing five bases and scoring three runs while earning rings with the Royals in 2015, Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 (although he wasn't on their playoff roster), and Atlanta Braves in 2021. He also stole 43 bases over 112 regular-season games during his career, the majority of which came while he was a pinch-runner.

He recorded just 85 plate appearances in the majors over eight years. It took until his 16th big-league plate appearance, almost four years after his debut, for Gore to finally notch his first big-league hit - a single off future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer.

Many of Gore's former teammates and clubs as well as media members shared their grief on social media after learning of his death.

Gore finished his big-league career with 16 hits in 74 regular-season at-bats and slashed .237/.334/.274 with 324 steals and one home run over 11 minor-league seasons.

He is survived by his wife and three children.