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It was hinted the other day that the Miami Marlins hire as general manager would be “creative” and “outside the box.”
The Marlins did that Friday by hiring Kim Ng as GM. She’s the first woman to hold that position, as well as the first Asian-American.
Ng has worked in baseball in various positions for the last 30 years, for the White Sox, Yankees, Dodgers and in the Commissioner’s Office.
Here’s the Marlins announcement:
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
It has been very difficult for women to break the “glass ceiling” in baseball and rise to positions of authority. Baseball has long been an “old boys” type of business. I congratulate Ng on her hire, and give kudos to the Marlins for making this groundbreaking hire. It will be a good thing for all women who want jobs in baseball, and there are many. Last spring the Cubs hired Rachel Folden as a hitting coach for their rookie league team in Mesa; unfortunately, due to the pandemic that team (along with the rest of the minor leagues) didn’t play in 2020.
Here are some of the reactions to this hire on Twitter:
Kim Ng worked for the White Sox back in the early 90’s. Now first female GM in MLB history as Marlins hire her. @JonHeyman first with the news. Historic day in sports.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 13, 2020
Literally an hour ago: @baseballexis & I having an intellectual conversation about women in baseball (she started it, and you should Always Talk Important Things with Alexis, she's so freaking smart ❤️)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) November 13, 2020
Now: Kim Ng new Marlins' GM
This is absolutely fantastic. A historic and amazing day for baseball (and all sports!). I'm having a hard time putting into words what this hire means for women and minorities everywhere. Just... wow. It's a good day. https://t.co/pDNOegcaMB
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) November 13, 2020
I cannot overemphasis how long overdue it is for Kim Ng to get this GM position. We’ve been talking about her credentials and the moment finally happening for years.
— Maury Brown (@BizballMaury) November 13, 2020
Let's be perfectly clear here. Kim Ng has been among the most qualified GM candidates for the past two decades. She has always been capable of running a Major League team. This isn't a risky hire -- it's a smart one, by a team that obviously wants to win a World Series.
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) November 13, 2020
The hire of Kim Ng is a great thing for all women (and all people) who love baseball. Give Derek Jeter some credit here; he hasn’t always done the right thing by the Marlins, but he clearly knew Ng’s credentials from their time together with the Yankees. Well done.