Charlotte, NC - As the 2020 MLB World Series kicks off tonight at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, NJCAA alumni are poised to make an impact throughout the series. Two former NJCAA baseball stars will be competing for the Commissioner's Trophy - Kevin Kiermaier and Terrance Gore. In addition to Kiermaier and Gore, NJCAA baseball will be well-represented on the umpire crew with Mark Carlson and Todd Tichenor.
Kevin Kiermaier, starting center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, is a two-time NJCAA All-American and won the NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series title with Parkland College in 2009. During his time in Champaign, Kiermaier led the Cobras to a 99-22 overall record as well as consecutive Region 24 Championships. Kiermaier was drafted by the Rays in 2010 in the 31st round as the 941st overall pick. Since his major league debut in 2013, Kiermaier has tallied a .248 batting average, 619 hits, and 71 home runs.
Terrance Gore, outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has NJCAA-ties through Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. In his lone season as a Commodore, Gore hit .330 and had 51 steals in 54 attempts. Gore was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 2011 MLB Draft in the 20th round as the 606th overall pick. Prior to the 2020 MLB season with the Dodgers, Gore spent time in the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees organizations.
Mark Carlson, former Parkland College catcher, will serve on the umpire crew for the 2020 MLB World Series. Carlson was a member of the Cobras squad from 1987-89 before attending the Joe Brinkman and Bruce Froemming's Umpire School. In 1999, Carlson began his MLB career as a National League umpire and has worked in both Major Leagues since 2000. Carlson was inducted into Parkland's Hall of Fame in 2015 and is recognized as one of the college's 50 Notable Alumni. When asked about his time as a Cobra, Carlson stated, "My time at Parkland College was instrumental in my overall growth. It allowed me to transition into an independent young man, which ultimately contributed to who I am today. I've carried with me the lessons I've learned from Parkland and one of my coaches, mentor, and friend - Rod Lovett. To have been inducted into Parkland's HOF and be a member of their 50 most notable alumni is and always will be an honor."
Todd Tichenor will make his first appearance as an MLB World Series umpire during game two on Wednesday in Arlington. Tichenor, a full-time MLB umpire since 2012, is a former member of the Garden City (KS) Broncbuster baseball team. Following his time as an NJCAA student-athlete, Tichenor served as a baseball and basketball official for the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) in Region 6.
The 2020 MLB World Series starts tonight, October 20 at 8:00 PM ET on FOX. Game seven, if needed, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28.