The Miami Marlins introduced Kim Ng as their new general manager today, streaming live on Twitter and broadcast on MLB Network. Though it was a muted affair because of coronavirus protocols – the magnitude of the moment was anything but. Ng received over 1,000 messages of congratulations “from all walks,” including writers, former players, current managers, scouts, executives, and others. Per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald (via Twitter), Ng said:
The idea that it has effected this many people is just extraordinary. I thought it would be a big deal, but this is beyond my expectations … People are looking for hope, are looking for inspiration. I’m happy this is part of it.”
The defining characteristic of her journey, said Ng, was fearlessness. She recognized Marlins CEO Derek Jeter for setting an example for the sort of fearlessness needed to be a great player, and for now demonstrating similar fortitude as an executive. As much courage as she needed to interview for position after position over the years, it would seem she landed in the right place. Ng lauded the Miami organization for building a diverse organization:
The information has become more precise, but you can’t ignore the different perspectives needed.”
Involving as many voices as possible was a theme for Ng throughout the day. She spoke about the ease with which she’s been able to communicate within the Marlins organization already, credited to her experience and level of comfort with, among others, Gary Denbo, Jeter, and Don Mattingly, the latter of whom she worked with in Los Angeles.
Interestingly, Ng said that she hasn’t faced much overt resistance in the day-to-day throughout her career, from a discrimination standpoint. She did, however, admit that some of the time when she interviewed for GM roles, she felt it wasn’t exactly on the “up-and-up.” And while she recognized the potential tokenism, she also credited those moments for getting her name out there and furthering the process that ultimately came to fruition with the Marlins.
Her graciousness aside, this moment was a long time coming, and it’s a comfort to many. Per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (via Twitter), Ng said:
I thought it would be a big deal, but this is beyond my expectations . . . People are looking for hope. People are looking for inspiration. I’m happy that this is part of it.”
In terms of her plans for the Marlins, being seen as a “pillar of the community” is a priority for the business side, being visible and active as a source for change and growth in Miami. On the baseball side, too much remains in limbo in terms of coronavirus to lay out specific plans for next season at this time. Making baseball decisions, however, will be a collaborative process involving many people from different areas within the organization.
In sum, as the first woman to hold the title of general manager, Ng will forever be an icon and a trailblazer in the sport. As such, Ng’s biggest piece of advice was this:
Tell people what you think…you have your opinion, just voice it.”
Any particular reason why the same exact quote is written twice?
I was going to ask the same, but then again, it’s a TC article, so mistakes are to be expected. He’s a young man and he’s still learning; with Jeff Todd’s full-time departure, there is immense pressure to make up for it and write more articles.
Either way, TC, remove the second quote and perhaps include some more biographical information about her.
Nothing against Kim, but I’m kind of against people getting jobs based on gender. I’m not accusing Ng of that,though.
Well good thing she’s extremely qualified and has a deep and diverse resume.
There’s no reason to believe that is why she got the job though…
She got the job in spite of her gender which is why it’s such a significant hire.
So you’re against 100% of all jobs anybody got anywhere until like 1950, and probably 90% of all jobs since then.
Until you look at her resume and then remember owners have hired people like Dave Stewart, and BVM over her…
Literally was going to say this. I’ve seen very unqualified GM’s dugout of nowhere. Yet the idea Jeter and Co. just picked her up as a PR move over her accolades is just nonsense.
This isn’t a physicality thing. There’s no biological deprivation toward her here versus men in this position. It’s the brains of the operation and if you know the game, understand the game, and can back it up? Well, that seems qualified to me.
To be clear, I don’t feel that Kim is unqualified. She definitely deserves the job.
If you don’t think Ng got the job “because” of her gender, this seems like a weird place to say, apropos of nothing apparently, that women shouldn’t get jobs because of their gender.
It’s not that I question her qualifications. It’s that I question the Marlins organization.
Question the Marlins organization?
We let the dimwit Mike Hill go (finally!) and brought in someone who is in fact overqualified for the position, and has a good history with a lot of the powers that run the Marlins now.
So, what is there to question?
I’m kind of against people NOT getting jobs based on gender and getting paid less due to gender.
Any word what her contract and salary are yet so we can compare it to other first-time (male) GMs?
Come on Jetes, give us the deets.
I guess I’m old school in the sense that when it comes to things I have a vesting interest in (even a rooting interest) I tend to want the most qualified and capable person for the job. I don’t give a damn about gender, color, sexual orientation, etc.
It’s easy to say that when gender, colour, sexual orientation, etc. aren’t PREVENTING you from getting hired.
Yes funny to say that.
Nothing against Chief Two Hands, but I’m kind of against people getting jobs after they embezzle money from a children’s hospital. I’m not accusing him of that, though.
Nothing against forwhomjoshbelltolls, but I’m kind of against people who project in the comments of MLBTR. I’m not accusing him of that, though. I’m just saying.
Nothing against anyone, but I’m kind of against people who are incompetent keeping their jobs when more qualified people can replace them….Yes, I am accusing Mike Hill of being incompetent and I’m happy he’s finally gone and has been replaced with someone who is overqualified for the position.
Thank you Marlins! Thank you Jeter! Thank you Michael Jordan! Let’s continue building that winning culture!
Pretty clear that she is more than qualified. If she were male she would have been hired years ago.
“Nothing against Kim, but I’m kind of against people getting jobs based on gender. I’m not accusing Ng of that,though.”
I know, right? Since GMs are rarely former MLB players, you would kind of expect 50% of the GMs to be women. So, you’ve got to wonder what those 50% less qualified male GMs had to do to get their jobs over more qualified women. Do you think maybe they slept with the owners?
sounds like you actually are!!!!
How do you feel about people NOT getting jobs because of their gender? Essentially this is what happened to someone with her resume. So the better way to look at this is It’s a Long Time Coming and this is just the process correcting itself.
The reality is that Ng’s resume actually qualifies her for a job further up the food chain than General Manager. And the press conference showed it.
I think Jeter et al were looking for someone who can grow with the organization, and they found the perfect candidate.
First item on the agenda.
Bring back Realmuto to lead the pitching staff.
Next, figure out who you want to keep in the OF long term.
Marte is a clear yes as you’d be selling low on him.
Id vote for Sierra to be the RF with Marte and Dickerson but she needs to figure out who to keep for 2022 and beyond.
They have a rotation but could use some pen help. Plenty of arms available.
I expect the Marlins to target guys like James McCann, Kike Hernandez, Trevor Rosenthal, Blake Treinhen… but
I for one, think this is the perfect time to try to bring in a big “fish.” Personally I think they should target DJ LeMahieu or if they can get him at a good price, George Springer. I think an infield of LeMahieu, Rojas, Cooper/Aguilar and Anderson would be a force to reckon with, not to mention options like Isan Diaz, Jazz Chisholm and Lewin Diaz on the cusp. An outfield of Springer, Marte, Dickerson would be so fun for 2021 and then when 2022 rolls around, build around Springer since Marte and Dickerson will be FA after 2021. Could see a very exciting 2022 outfield of Springer, Bleday and J Sanchez/Brinson/Harrison/J Encarnacion.
What would Springer cost? I feel like 6 years 150 million… as for LeMahiehu, you guys think 4 years, 80/90 million gets it done?
no way DJ or Springer takes a call from the marlins.
Not from Derek Jeter? You’re delusional and you of all people, should know the magic of DJ…
Wait… isn’t that Kim Ng’s job?
Doesn’t mean that Derek Jeter is not involved in the process…
Those guys will take calls from anyone that offers them significant money.
While DJL has been amazing and an awesome leader, I think a current risk-averse team like the Marlins would be wary of signing him due to age. His salary alone would increase their payroll by ~35%. It’s too much for one player. I think playing above .500 should be their goal next year while players keep developing.
Good point… they had interest in him back in 2018 offseason so that’s why I think they may be interested in him again.
The marlins are not paying anyone 20 million + a year!!!
To say she got this job because of gender no longer matters. We have all checked certain boxes to get hired for jobs. And to claim Ng was the best person for this job is silly to say as well. Plenty of qualified people for GM of the marlins. I wish we were all more openly honest about these things instead of trying to say the “correct” things.
The only people who can criticize this hire are other GMs trying to get this job with more experience… like me!!!
Good hire glad she got a chance
Is “Fearlessness” the best quality to have with the limited financial means of the Miami Marlins?
Now let’s find out if the Marlins are players in free agency. Probably not but given their 2020 results it should not be out of the question to see them look at improving through free agency.
Hoping Ng can bring stability to a traditionally erratic franchise.
Who’s going to play her in the movie though?!? If Billy Beane gets Brad Pitt, who does Kim Ng get?
Constance Wu would be the easy choice. (Sleazebag) Kevin Spacey as Don Mattingly (I thought Bill Murray may be too old). Wentworth Miller as Jeter.
For comedic purposes, Luis Guzman as aging scout.
According to Jeter during the press conference he’d be making the final decision on all player and personnel moves so her actual power appears to be pretty limited. More of a figurehead to do some of the busywork Jeter won’t be bothered with himself.
I was afraid that was the case. Kind of like the Mets hiring Mendoza as special consultant… for what?
If the Marlins run out into the field in parrot costumes on opening day., that’s all Kim. Their uniforms already look parrot-like to begin with.
I think it’s quite the opposite. Ng is perfectly capable of making changes. Jeter will take the heat as a leader should when a move doesn’t work out.
The Marlins operate as a committee with Jeter as the rubber stamp of approval. Ng and Gary Denbo will be doing the bulk of the decisions, but it will be a group effort as it has been under Jeter.
Also, the Marlins have this model because they are working on a culture that exists from the Minor League rosters to the MLB roster. Jeter has been strong in this message. Michael Jordan has been behind the scenes with this too. They have occasionally talked with the Miami Heat people about their culture. If you look back at the Ng press conference, she stated the same thing as well about a culture. They have said all along that they will build a culture and sustainable success. Jeter has stated using the Yankees model, which Mattingly has been implementing, Gary Denbo has been supporting, and Ng repeated. Michael Jordan has been in the background brining in the Bulls touch as well with all of them getting feedback at times from Pat Riley and the Heat.
Okay folks..Kim Ng was a Phantastic hire.The Marlins hit it out of the park..I wish Middleton had the guts to make that hire..Instead the Phillies are rutterless..
Also, I was watching Ng and try not to laugh, but she is diminutive..reminds me of Hettie Lang..Think about it..
The fact that she is, tells you how strong a mind she is. Seems like a complete opposite from the ‘Yes Man’ and self-preservationist, Mike Hill.