LaMar was the first general manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, hired approximately three years before they began play in the American League in 1998.
[3] LaMar earned his master's degree in physical education from Indiana,[citation needed] then went on to become the head coach at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
[4] In 1991, LaMar moved to the Atlanta Braves and served as director of player development and scouting (through 1993),[3] with the team winning its division in both seasons.
[7] LaMar's tenure was characterized by moves such as trading Bobby Abreu and Dmitri Young while receiving Kevin Stocker and Mike Kelly in return.
[8] LaMar was also responsible for signing Juan Guzmán, Wilson Álvarez, Wade Boggs, Roberto Hernández, and trading for Fred McGriff.