Professional sports took another step toward equality this past week when the Miami Marlins announced the hiring of Major League Baseball’s first female general manager.
The Marlins hired Kim Ng, 51, who most recently served as MLB’s senior vice president of baseball operations for the past nine years. She has also served as the assistant general manager for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.
"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," Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement. "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 is now the highest-ranking woman in baseball operations among the league’s 30 teams and ESPN suggested she is believed to be the first female general manager in any of the four major North American men’s sports leagues.
"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."
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is thrilled for Ng.
"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," he said. "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."
