For short-season Spokane, Gilmore ended up retiring 13-straight at one point, and striking out 12, The Spokane Chronicle wrote.
"Terry just found his groove," Spokane manager Rob Picciolo told The Chronicle, "he just found the strike zone."
It was part of a debut season for Gilmore where he went 7-0 in 14 starts, with an ERA of 2.59.
But, while Gilmore found his grove that year, and into AAA, Gilmore never found his groove enough to make the majors.
Gilmore's career began that year in 1987, taken by the Padres in the 20th round out of Florida Southern College.
Gilmore's start at Spokane mirrored a season he had at Florida Southern. In 1985, Gilmore went 11-0. Gilmore had a similar start in 1986. In late February, the 2-0 Gilmore got a no-decision after rain meant he couldn't control his split-finger fastball, The Miami News wrote.
"The split-finger fastball is his bread-and-butter pitch," Florida Southern coach Chuck Anderson told The News of Gilmore. "He couldn't use it, so he wasn't half the pitcher he can be."
After that first year at Spokane, Gilmore moved to AA Wichita for 1988 and even got a four-game look at AAA Las Vegas. Between them, he went 12-8, with a 4.63 ERA in 29 starts.
For 1989, it was Las Vegas full time for Gilmore. He went 8-10 in 28 starts, with a 4.70 ERA. He didn't make San Diego.
In 1990, back at Las Vegas, Gilmore did make the AAA All-Star team, though. He also picked up the win in the game. On the season, Gilmore went 13-7, with a 5.13 ERA. He played just one more season, in 1991, between Las Vegas and AA Wichita.
- Miami News, March 1, 1986: Once again, Hurricanes can thank their lucky stars
- Spokane Chronicle, Aug. 14, 1987: Indians polish off Emeralds
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