Former MLB speedster Terrance Gore died in early February from complications following surgery to remove his appendix, according to his wife, Britney.
In a heartbreaking social media post shortly after his death, Britney said the 34-year-old underwent “what was supposed to have been a simple procedure.”
In an interview with WMBB in Florida last week, she explained that Gore initially appeared to be recovering well before his condition suddenly worsened.
“He went in for an emergency surgery. He had his appendix removed,” she said. “He came out of surgery and was doing OK.
“And had some complications after, possibly with the anesthesia, and went into cardiac arrest.”
Gore’s untimely death shook his family and the baseball community.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
“Our hearts are shattered, my babies are shattered,” Britney wrote in her first post on social media following her husband’s death. “Our whole family is lost. This was so unexpected.”
A fan favorite across parts of eight MLB seasons, Gore was remembered fondly for his game-changing speed and role on three World Series-winning teams.
The Macon, Ga., native debuted in the majors with the Royals in 2014, serving as a baserunning specialist for Kansas City’s back-to-back American League pennant-winning teams.
Gore swiped a combined four bases during those two postseasons, including the Royals’ run to a World Series title in 2015.
“Terrance brought a high level of excitement and anticipation to the game,” former Royals general manager Dayton Moore said after Gore’s passing. “He was unstoppable as a base stealer, and he inspired athletes throughout our country to pursue baseball. He was loved and respected by his very special teammates, who will continue to love his family during this time of sadness.
“There have been very few players who can take over a baseball game,” Moore added in an interview with the Royals team website. “That’s exactly what he did. He became a fan favorite. He was beloved by his teammates. And he was just fearless and impactful on the bases but also off the field.”
After spending his first five years in Kansas City, Gore won another pair of championships with the Dodgers (2020) and Braves (2021).
Despite notching just 85 plate appearances in 112 regular-season games, Gore stole 43 bases in 52 attempts, including five in the postseason.
He finished his MLB career with the Mets in 2022, recording three steals and one hit over 10 games.
The Richard R. Robinson Funeral Home Eastside Chapel in Macon will hold a visitation on coming Friday, with a celebration of life the following day at Jones County High School Gym in Gray, Ga.