Career Spotlight: How to Become a General Manager

Welcome to Our Baseball Careers Series

Welcome to our ongoing series, "Career Spotlight," where we explore the many exciting jobs in baseball. From players on the field to the people working behind the scenes, baseball offers many different career paths. Today, we look at one of the most important positions in any baseball organization: the General Manager.

What Does a General Manager Do?

A General Manager (GM) is like the captain of a ship, but for a baseball team. They don't play on the field, but they make many big decisions that affect the team. Here are some of the main things a GM does:

• Builds the team by signing players, making trades with other teams, and drafting new talent
• Works with team owners to create and manage the team's budget
• Hires important staff like the field manager, coaches, and scouts
• Plans for the team's future while also trying to win games today
• Analyzes data and statistics to make smart decisions about players

General Managers often work long hours, especially during busy times like the trading deadline or draft season. They need to be good at talking with people, solving problems, and thinking about long-term goals.

Education and Training for Future GMs

School Subjects That Matter

If you dream of becoming a General Manager someday, these school subjects will be very important:

• Math: GMs use numbers and statistics every day to make decisions
• English: Strong writing and speaking skills help GMs communicate with players, agents, and other teams
• Economics: Understanding money and value is key to building a successful team
• Computer Science: Today's GMs use technology and data analysis tools regularly

College Education

Most General Managers today have college degrees. While there isn't one specific degree that all GMs need, these college majors can be helpful:

• Sports Management
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Statistics or Mathematics
• Law (many GMs have law degrees)

Reading and Learning

Reading regularly is extremely important for anyone who wants to be a GM. Reading helps you:

• Improve your vocabulary and communication skills
• Learn about different ways people solve problems
• Stay updated on baseball news and trends
• Understand complex topics like player contracts and team rules

Getting Started in Baseball

Most General Managers start in entry-level positions and work their way up over many years. Some common starting points include:

• Internships with baseball teams
• Working as a scout who finds new players
• Jobs in a team's front office handling smaller tasks
• Positions in player development or analytics departments

Skills You'll Need

Successful General Managers usually have these important skills:

• Strong math and analysis abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Good judgment when making tough decisions
• Ability to negotiate and make fair deals
• Understanding of baseball rules and traditions
• Patience and long-term thinking

Final Thoughts

Becoming a General Manager takes years of hard work, education, and experience. The path isn't always straight, but doing well in school, going to college, and reading regularly will build the foundation you need. While very few people reach the top job of GM, the skills you develop along the way can lead to many other exciting careers in baseball, even if you don't become a General Manager.