Myers became the Cubs' relief ace, and he helped the Cubs finish .500 in 1993.

Possessing a superb fastball, he became the team's relief ace.

That year, Arroyo pitched 119 innings with a 2.19 ERA, while winning 15 games as the team's relief ace.

His success as a reliever helped the gradual change in usage patterns of pitchers, and the popularity of the concept of a "relief ace."

They have had six starting pitchers and their relief ace, Roger McDowell, disabled this season.

The relief ace, Dave Righetti, had a disappointing season in 1988.

But they called for their relief ace, Dennis Eckersley, a man who saved 45 games this season.

Williams, the Cubs' relief ace, was called in to face a pinch-hitter, Nelson Santovenia.

"There's no doubt they were hurt by the loss of Clemens," said Tom Henke, Toronto's relief ace.

But the relief ace has also compiled a string of stunning ninth-inning failures caused by home runs.