Nov. 13, 2020 was a historic day for the sport of baseball and for women across the sports world.
The Miami Marlins announced that Kim Ng, a woman who started off holding a radar gun for the Chicago White Sox as a 21-year-old intern in 1990, will be its next General Manager. Ng, 52, has over 30 years of experience in the game of baseball. After interviewing for multiple General Manager positions since 2005, she was well overdue for this promotion.
Ng makes history as not only the first female General Manager in the four major North American male sports, but also as the first Asian American General Manager in Major League Baseball.
Ng’s hiring represents a new era. Women are taking significant roles in the sports world and are opening a realm of possibilities for other women in sports.
More specifically, in the game of baseball, where changing tradition has been highly criticized, Ng’s hiring illuminates that hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. Ng has said that “in baseball, you enjoy the idea of playing up, playing against the best competition,” and she is doing just that.
Her hiring shows that the knowledge and experience she has obtained over the years is valued. Ng’s determination is what has set her apart. After multiple interviews for General Manager positions to no avail, it only fueled her drive to continue striving for success, while others may have accepted defeat.
Ng’s hiring represents a time where women in sports are more accepted than ever. Women in baseball felt that Ng’s hiring meant that they were on the right path. They felt connected to Ng, and it had a personal impact on these individuals.
“Kim has done so much good for the game of baseball,” Alyssa Nakken, a San Francisco Giants coach, told MLB.com. “Her résumé is outstanding, and she’s clearly the best candidate for this role. I think that for young girls and boys seeing this is huge because we’re starting to see more doors open, more paths paved.”
Men in the world of baseball respected Ng’s knowledge, drive and experience. Many supported the decision made by the Marlins as many executives believed that she was one of the most qualified first-time General Managers.
“The Marlins didn’t hire her as a woman,” Dan Evans, a former MLB executive, said in an interview with the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “They hired her because she’s the most qualified person for the job. In my mind, she has been a number of times.”
“I thought it would be a big deal, but this is just beyond my expectations and, I think, beyond many people’s expectations,” Ng said in a press conference following her hiring. “But I think that really is a testament to where we are. People really are looking for hope. People really are looking for inspiration.”
It is long overdue for women to be in this position. Front offices are more public than ever, and the Marlins have acted first in what should be commonplace in baseball soon. Ng’s hiring will change the landscape for women, not only in baseball, but in the sports world as a whole.
In an industry that has always been led by men, it’s time for a change, and there is no woman better to lead the charge than Kim Ng.
