Miami Marlins hire Kim Ng as first female general manager in MLB
CGTN
Kim Ng (C), new general manager of the Miami Marlins. /CFP

Kim Ng (C), new general manager of the Miami Marlins. /CFP

Fifty-one-year-old Kim Ng was hired as the new general manager of the MLB's Miami Marlins, announced the team on Friday.

Ng is the first woman to serve as a GM in the Big Four leagues in North America – NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL – and the first Asian-descent GM of an MLB team.

"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. 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," said Derek Jeter, CEO of the Marlins in a statement.

Kim Ng (R), assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the team's manager Tommy Lasorda. /CFP

Kim Ng (R), assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the team's manager Tommy Lasorda. /CFP

Ng became an intern with the Chicago White Sox when she was still in the University of Chicago. She became a full-time employee in 1991 and was promoted to assistant director of baseball operations under Ron Schueler, who was the GM then in 1995.

In the following years, Ng joined the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers as assistant general manager. In 2011, she left the Dodgers and became senior vice president of baseball operations for the majors.

"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. 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," said Ng in a statement.

"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."

Nick Vincent #44 of the Miami Marlins picthes in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, October 8, 2020. /CFP

Nick Vincent #44 of the Miami Marlins picthes in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, October 8, 2020. /CFP

The Marlins have achieved some progress in franchise rebuilding. Having finished the 2018 and 2019 seasons with only 63 and 57 wins respectively, the team made the playoffs this year. Moreover, the Marlins' payroll will be only $46.5 million in the 2021 season, the lowest of all teams. In another year, shortstop Miguel Rojas will be the only one who has a contract with the team – $5.5 million team option. Therefore, Ng will have enough space to operate the team.

"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. 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," said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.