WHITESTONE, NY – There is a player on the New York Mets who wears uniform number 4 and plays the outfield, his name is Al Terrance Gore. He’s 31-years-old and is listed as five foot seven inches tall. Realistically Gore is closer to five foot five and can easily pass as a bat-boy. He also has a knack for collecting rings.
Gore was a member of the Kansas City Royals when they beat the Mets in the 2015 World Series. He also was on the World Championship Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, and the 2021 Atlanta Braves postseason roster when they were crowned champs.
The pint sized ballplayer is mostly used as a pinch runner and is referred to by Mets manager Buck Showalter as his secret weapon. Gore couldn’t be more secretive as his playing time dictates. He has amassed a total of 3 at bats this season, before Showalter penciled him into the starting lineup for the Mets finale. Gore got his first hit of the season in his four at bats that included a sacrifice bunt. Fans took notice as they all stood and gave Gore a rousing ovation for a bunt well done.
The bigger resume for Gore is his eight years in the big leagues. He inches his way on team rosters, and during that time he has produced a total of sixteen hits to go along with an eye-popping one run batted in. Yes, you read that right, 16 hits and 1 RBI in 8 seasons.
It was back in the 70’s when the Oakland A’s employed a pinch runner named Herb Washington in his two seasons on the roster. Washington did not have a single at bat. He was basically a pest on the base paths when the A’s needed a late inning run.
In Gore the Mets have a player who can roam centerfield, lay down a bunt and get at least one hit a season. The hit Gore got in the Mets last game was his first since July 4th, 2019. Since that hit, Gore has won two World Series rings.
As they head into the postseason the Mets are hoping that Gore’s legs can provide them with the title of Last Team Standing, and for Gore a third straight ring… IF deGrom can save the season tonight, that is.
