If you bet on women, good things happen. The Miami Marlins decided to put this mindset into action with the hiring of Kim Ng as the new general manager of the organization. Ng, 51, has an extensive background as an executive with more than 30 years of experience in Major League Baseball, including 21 in the front offices of the White Sox (1990-96), Yankees (‘98-2001) and Dodgers (‘02-11).
Kim Ng is now the highest-ranking woman in baseball operations in the Majors. She is also the second person of Asian descent to lead an MLB team, following Farhan Zaidi, the former Los Angeles Dodgers GM and current president of baseball operations for the Giants.
“I entered Major League Baseball as an intern and, after decades of determination, it is the honor of my career to lead the Miami Marlins as their next general manager,” Kim Ng said in a statement. “We are building for the long term in South Florida, developing a forward-thinking, collaborative, creative baseball operation made up of incredibly talented and dedicated staff who have, over the last few years, laid a great foundation for success.”
“All of us at Major League Baseball are thrilled for Kim and the opportunity she has earned with the Marlins,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Kim’s appointment makes history in all of professional sports and sets a significant example for the millions of women and girls who love baseball and softball. The hard work, leadership, and record of achievement throughout her long career in the National Pastime led to this outcome, and we wish Kim all the best as she begins her career with the Marlins.”
In a broader move t, the MLB recently announced the hiring of Michele Meyer-Shipp, an African-American female, as Chief People & Culture Officer. A key responsibility of her role is to support the leagues diversity and inclusion efforts. While the Marlins took matters in their own hands, this is an area the MLB seeks to improve.
The Marlins are no strangers to shattering barriers. When Derek Jeter took over the franchise in 2017, he became baseball’s first Black CEO. He then hired Caroline O’Connor, who as senior vice president is one of the highest-ranking women in professional sports. The tradition seems to be continuing with yet another historical hire.
“On behalf of principal owner Bruce Sherman and our entire ownership group, we look forward to Kim bringing a wealth of knowledge and championship-level experience to the Miami Marlins,” chief executive officer Derek Jeter said in a statement.
“Her leadership of our baseball operations team will play a major role on our path toward sustained success,” he continued. “Additionally, her extensive work in expanding youth baseball and softball initiatives will enhance our efforts to grow the game among our local youth as we continue to make a positive impact on the South Florida community.”
After years of hard work, Ng is finally reaping the benefits of her determination and perseverance.
“This challenge is one I don’t take lightly. When I got into this business, it seemed unlikely a woman would lead a major league team, but I am dogged in pursuit of my goals. My goal is now to bring championship baseball to Miami.”
While this is the first hire of its kind, we certainly hope it isn’t the last.