November’s been a great month for women shattering proverbial glass ceilings across industries in America. Following Kamala Harris’s election as the country’s first female, black, Indian-American Vice President-Elect—and Daniella Levine Cava’s historic win for Miami-Dade County mayor—the Miami Marlins have just hired Kim Ng as the team’s new General Manager, making her the first woman to hold the position and the highest-ranking woman in all of Major League Baseball. She’s also the first female GM in all of professional men’s sports teams in North America’s major leagues. Not too shabby.
OUR gm #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/ljhBLMfgrq
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) November 13, 2020
Ng has worked in baseball for more than 30 years, climbing her way up the ranks from intern to positions with the New York Yankees, the L.A. Dodgers and, most recently, as the Senior Vice president of Operations for Major League Baseball—where she clearly made a lasting impression.
“All of us at Major League Baseball are thrilled for Kim and the opportunity she has earned with the Marlins. 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, said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. in an official statement. “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.”
For her part, Ng acknowledged the magnitude of her appointment and the honor it’ll be to lead the home team. “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,” she said in a Marlins news release. Ng, who replaces Michael Hill, joins the team following a season that ended with the Marlins in the National League Division Series. It was their first time in the playoffs in 17 years—but it won’t take that long again if she has anything to do with it.
“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.”
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