WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A Southeastern North Carolina native is just days away from making his Major League Baseball All-Star debut.
Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore, a Whiteville native, learned Sunday he’s heading to this year’s All-Star Game, which takes place Tuesday night in Atlanta.
In an interview Friday with WECT, he said the recognition is a dream come true.
“Everybody wants to be an All-Star, it’s something everybody wants to do,” he said. “I’ve been more just trying to be the best version of myself, and I thought if I do that then I’d get to be an All-Star at some point. So a lot of hard work’s paid off.”
Over 18 starts and 104.1 innings pitched this season, Gore has notched 131 strikeouts, the second-highest total in the National League, and fourth-highest mark in MLB. In just his third season with the Nationals, Gore has quickly established himself as the team’s ace, and started on Opening Day earlier this year.
Gore was one of the nation’s top pitchers in high school, leading Whiteville High School to three state championships in four seasons. As a junior he recorded a dominant 0.08 earned run average (ERA), and threw a no-hitter that featured 18 strikeouts.
A number of Gore’s family and close friends will make the roughly five-hour trip from Whiteville to Atlanta for the All-Star Game, he said.
“They’re excited,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to it. Should be fun.”
The region still holds significance to the pitcher, who said he visits in the offseason to spend time with family and friends.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of everyone in that area,” Gore said. “The community’s really special in that area.”
Gore put his name into the MLB Draft straight out of high school, and was selected No. 3 overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2017 draft. He made his debut five years later before later being traded to Washington. He’s one of just two Nationals players, alongside outfielder James Wood, to make the National League All-Star team.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be played Tuesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. at Truist Park in Atlanta.
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