“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,” Ng said in a statement. “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.”
Adding: “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.”
The sports world on Twitter is overjoyed to find out about the Marlins’ recent hire. ESPN columnist Jeff Passan pointed out that Ng isn’t just making MLB history either, she’s the first female general manager of a major American professional sports team.
“Forget just baseball. A woman never has been the general manager of a major American professional sports team period until Kim Ng was hired by the Miami Marlins today,” he wrote. “Their COO is Caroline O’Connor. The Marlins’ three highest-ranking officials are two women and an ex-shortstop.”
MLB reporter Alyson Footer called Ng’s hire a smart move. “Let’s be perfectly clear here,” she began. “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.”
Field reporter for Fox Major League Baseball Ken Rosenthal wrote: “An entire sport is rejoicing. Virtually everyone in baseball thinks Kim Ng, former assistant GM of Yankees and Dodgers, is a great choice to run the Marlins.” Assistant GM Billy Owens: ‘Kim is an AWESOME hire! Truly pumped to hear the news. Groundbreaking and well-deserved.’"
The Athletic writer Britt Ghiroli pointed out that Ng is overqualified for the position.
Chicago Tribune reporter Kori Rumore Finley shared a quote from The Tribune in 1998 about Ng’s time with the Yankees. “People used to apologize for swearing in front of me,” Ng told the publication at the time, “until they realized I probably swear more than them.”
Tim & Sid sports talk show host Sid Seixeiro said that it’s “about damn time” a female GM was hired in the MLB.
“Kim Ng, who’s devoted decades to the game of baseball, is the new GM of the Miami Marlins. First female GM in baseball history and one of the highest ranking female executives in North American sports history. About damn time.”
Senior sports writer for The Athletic Molly Knight gushed about the historic day for women in sports. “Kim Ng is overly qualified for this job. She had to be. But my God she’s done it. She’s shattered the highest glass ceiling in sports and oh my god what a glorious day. I am so happy.”
Knight added: “Yes I am crying and I don’t care who knows. Kids growing up now are going to see that a brilliant, qualified woman can run a sports team. It matters. Kim, you did it. You f***ing did it.”
