There is history. And there is awe-inspiring history.
The Miami Marlins officially announced the hiring of Kim Ng as the organization’s fifth General Manager. She is not only the new general manager; Ng is the first woman to serve as general manager of a team in the four professional leagues in North America and the first person of East Asian descent to serve as general manager of an MLB team.
“It is a special day for the Miami Marlins and this organization,” Marlins chairman and Principal owner Bruce Sherman said. “We are a fortunate organization to have someone with Kim’s 30 years of experience.”
Ng (pronounced ANG) is not new to the ballpark. She brings extensive experience to the Marlins’ baseball operations team with more than 30 years in Major League Baseball, including a combined 21 years of experience in the front offices for the Chicago White Sox (1990–96), New York Yankees (1998–2001), and Los Angeles Dodgers (2002–11). She has played roles in eight postseason appearances, including six League Championship Series and three World Championships.
Marlins CEO Derek Jeter is helping transcend the Marlins brand under his direction. Last season after adversity with Covid-19 attacked the team; they were able to build off adversity. The Marlins became the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason after a 105-loss season.
“We look forward to Kim bringing a wealth of knowledge and championship-level experience to the Miami Marlins,” said Jeter. “Her leadership of our baseball operations team will play a major role on our path toward sustained success. 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.”
Jeter continues to echo the foundation of a “new culture” for the Marlins. Kim’s hiring not only backs up his talk but illustrates the ongoing rebuild of the team is still continuous, with diverse ideas behind every decision on and off the diamond.
Ng graduated from the University of Chicago, where she played softball and earned a degree in Public Policy. She has appeared on Forbes’ list of the Most Influential Minorities in Sports, Forbes’ list of the Most Influential Women in Sports, and Adweek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports. She also serves on the Anti-Defamation League’s Sports Leadership Council.
“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 the pursuit of my goals. My goal is now to bring Championship baseball to Miami. I am both humbled and eager to continue building the winning culture our fans expect and deserve.”
Ng did not give up; in 2005; she was interviewed for the vacant GM position of Los Angeles Dodgers general manager. The Dodgers hired Ned Colletti as their GM, who immediately kept Ng on as his assistant.
“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,” Ng said. “ 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.”
There is the business of winning. Major League Baseball has invested in the value of inclusion and diversity. It is evident in their investment in people, culture, and community. The fan base will grow from this historic hire, especially when it comes to women moreover the growth of women in the front office. There is no surprise that Jeter was part of this; however, it does have a cool factor: the Marlins. They are still considered a young franchise with two World Series titles; this raises the bar and demonstrates how they are a responsible steward in the South Florida community.
Photo/MiamiMarlins/JosephGuzy
One thought