How does somebody become GM of a team?

[BuddyBear]

I've always wonder how someone becomes GM or any other high position of a ballclub. I mean it's not likely you go to say the Cleveland Indians or to the Detroit Lions and say, Hi I am here to apply for the GM job that recently opened up.

Is it strictly based on someone working their way up an organization or is it more nepotism where buddies are helping each other out?

just curious.

[bigboydan]

the first qualification i would think would be the knowlege of the salary cap.

[LVHerbie]

Interesting story kindof related to your post

New Breed of GMs in Baseball

<< Kevin Towers pitched seven seasons in the minor leagues, studied the game as a scout and taught it to pitchers starting out at Single-A.

The background that helped during his ascension to Padres general manager in 1995 distinguishes him even more today.

"A lot of the GMs I worked with in the early years are probably scouts now for a lot of these clubs," Towers said. "There's been kind of a new breed of young, bright minds that are innovators that have come up with new and different ways to approach the position." ... <snip>>

[pags11]

some type of background in business...and having a background in the sport itself (of family involved)...