Kim Ng is named Marlins GM, becoming the first woman to hold that title in US pro sports

Sports history was made in Miami on Friday as Kim Ng was named the new general manager of the Marlins, becoming the first woman to hold that title in any of North American’s four major men’s professional leagues.

Ng (pronounced: ‘Ang’) is now the highest-ranking woman in any team’s baseball operations department after more than 30 years of MLB experience, including 21 years working in the front office of the Chicago White Sox (1990–96), New York Yankees (1998–2001), and Los Angeles Dodgers (2002–11). 

As explained in a team press release, Ng has been ‘an integral part of eight postseason appearances, including six League Championship Series and three World Championships.’

‘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 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.

‘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 is coming off a nine-year run as MLB’s Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations, a role in which she oversaw international signing rules and established a system for registering foreign players, while raising the standard for baseball academies around the world, according to the team statement.

Marlins part owner and CEO Derek Jeter touted Ng’s experience in his statement.  

‘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,’ 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.’ 

Ng began her career as an intern with the White Sox in 1990 before ultimately becoming the assistant director of baseball operations. She was the youngest assistant general manager in baseball with the Yankees between 1998 and 2001, and was only he second woman to ever hold that title.

During her nine-year tenure with the Dodgers, Ng was involved with player trades and signings, and also served as the team’s farm director in 2004.

Ng, a former college softball player, graduated from the University of Chicago, where the NFL’s only black team president, Washington’s Jason Wright, received his business degree. 

She has appeared on Forbes’ list of the most ‘Influential Minorities in Sports’ as well as Adweek’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Sports’ list.

The Marlins are coming off a playoff appearance and a 31-29 season in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season despite 18 players testing positive for COVID-19. Don Mattingly was awarded the National League’s Manager of the Year award following the team’s second-place finish in the NL East. 

MLB has had several breakthroughs in 2020.  

Alyssa Nakken, the first female coach in major league history, set another precedent before the season by becoming the first woman serve as a first base coach during an MLB game or exhibition. 

In the NFL, seven women have been named to full-time assistant coaching positions, while San Antonio Spurs assistant and former WNBA star Becky Hammond has been considered for several head coach jobs in the NBA.