The Miami Marlins are making some pro sports history today, bringing in long-time MLB exec Kim Ng to be their new General Manager.
After 30+ years in the industry and a lot of interviews that didn’t pan out, Ng will be the first woman GM in MLB and North American major men’s sports history:
Making history by bringing a lifetime of excellence, Kim Ng steps to the helm as GM. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/UrYESbjTHe
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) November 13, 2020
I think it’s important to recognize a groundbreaking moment like this, while also not treating Ng like a novelty. It’s extremely cool that a woman now holds one of the highest gigs in an MLB organization, but she’s also just a very experienced, forward-thinking executive. I also expect it’s been especially challenging to rise through the ranks (since 1990) as a woman in this industry, so it’s all the more credit to her ability.
It’s also interesting to hire somehow who has front office experience, yes, but has also been in the Commissioner’s Office the last decade. That’ll make for an interesting transition, and may give Ng a different perspective on organization-building. I expect she’ll want many around her who’ve been deep in the front-office game more recently, though.
I don’t believe the Marlins are planning to hire a President of Baseball Operations after ousting former President Michael Hill. If they were planning to do so, they would’ve done it, and that person would’ve hired the GM. That is to say, Ng is the top decision-maker with the Marlins (well, reporting to owner Derek Jeter), and that front office search is now closed. The Angels also made their decision this week, leaving only the Phillies and Mets looking for high-level execs at the moment. We’ve wondered whether the Phillies are going to try to pry Theo Epstein loose.