Being a speedy athlete has its perks. Just ask Kansas City Royals rookie Terrance Gore.
The lightning-quick outfielder played in the Royals’ farm system for most of 2014, but now finds himself in a position to make a difference on baseball’s biggest stage: the World Series.
As a player on the team’s Class A Advanced club in the Carolina League, Gore didn’t do much to impress with his bat, as he hit just .218 with a .284 on-base percentage in 89 games. His speed, however, could not be ignored. The 23-year-old was promoted to Class AAA Omaha followed by the big leagues in August, stealing 52 bases in total.
Just as one would expect from a youngster getting the call to play in the World Series, Gore is on cloud nine.
“I’m trying to believe it, but it feels like a dream still, honestly,” Gore said via For The Win. “Now I’m in the World Series? That’s probably the last thing I thought was going to happen. I’m just glad to be here.”
We probably won’t see much of Gore’s bat during the series, but he’s likely to have a fair share of key pinch-running opportunities. He clearly looks forward to the opportunity as he seems quite confident in his speed.
“I could beat Usain Bolt around the bases by far,” Gore said. “He’s never ran bases in his life. If we ran a 100-meter, he’d probably smoke me, because that’s what he’s been doing the longest. But taking him out of his environment, I’m pretty sure I could take him.”
To see just how easy Gore makes stealing bases look, check out the video below.
[mlbvideo id=”36714553″ width=”640″ height=”360″ /]
Speed could be a major factor in the World Series, as the San Francisco Giants were 29th in stolen bases during the regular season, while Kansas City ranked first. In a Royals offense that enjoys playing small-ball and wreaking havoc on the basepaths, Gore should fit right in.
The World Series begins Tuesday at 8:07 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports Images
