Born: 1968 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Biography:
Kim Ng, born Kimberly J. Ng on November 17, 1968, is an American executive in Major League Baseball. She has made history by becoming the general manager of the Miami Marlins, making her the highest-ranking female baseball executive to date. Ng’s groundbreaking achievement also establishes her as the first woman to hold the position of general manager in any of the Big Four leagues in North America. Additionally, she is recognized as the first person of East Asian descent to serve as a general manager of a Major League Baseball team.
Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, Ng was the eldest of five daughters born to Virginia and Jin Ng. Her father, an American of Cantonese Chinese heritage, worked as a financial analyst, while her mother, of Chinese descent and born in Thailand, pursued a career in banking. Ng’s passion for baseball was cultivated during her childhood in Queens, New York, where she played stickball on the street with her friends. It was her father who introduced her to the world of sports and fostered her interest.
Ng’s athletic pursuits continued to flourish during her time at Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where she engaged in tennis and softball. In 1986, she graduated from high school and went on to attend the University of Chicago. There, Ng played softball for four years, leaving a lasting impact by earning the title of MVP infielder. In 1990, she graduated with a B.A. in public policy.
During her final year at the University of Chicago, Ng demonstrated exemplary leadership as the president of the university’s Women’s Athletic Association. Shortly after her graduation, she embarked on her career in Major League Baseball with an internship at the Chicago White Sox. Ng’s initial assignment involved conducting research on Rule 5 draftees, allowing her to utilize her love for statistics and analytical skills.
Impressing the White Sox organization, Ng was offered a full-time position in 1991. She began her ascent through the ranks, climbing from special projects analyst to assistant director of baseball operations under the guidance of then-GM Ron Schueler by 1995. It was in that same year that Ng made history once again as the youngest person and the first woman to present a salary arbitration case in the major leagues. She successfully argued the case for pitcher Alex Fernandez.
Seeking new experiences and insight, Ng joined the offices of the American League in 1997. In her role as director of waivers and records, she played a pivotal role in approving all transactions, expanding her knowledge of the inner workings of various teams. In March 1998, Brian Cashman, the General Manager of the New York Yankees, tapped Ng as his assistant general manager. At age 29, Ng became the youngest individual to hold such a significant position in the majors and the second woman in history to do so, succeeding only Elaine Weddington Steward.
Ng’s career continued to flourish, and her reputation as a knowledgeable and capable executive earned her the respect and admiration of the baseball community. After leaving the Yankees, she held key positions with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Major League Baseball office, serving as vice president. In November 2020, Ng’s notable journey reached new heights when she was appointed as the general manager of the Miami Marlins, making her the first woman to hold this position in the league.
Throughout her career, Ng has faced numerous challenges and obstacles, yet her passion, dedication, and expertise have propelled her forward. Her achievements not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for future generations of women in baseball. Ng’s significant impact on the sport extends beyond her role as a general manager, as she continues to inspire and empower women in sports and serves as a trailblazer in the ongoing fight for gender equality.