alumniprofile
Arbuckle recognizes, develops big league talent
M
ike Arbuckle ’72 knows athletic talent when he sees it. But determining if a baseball player has the mental makeup to succeed in the Major Leagues is a tougher assignment. Arbuckle, who has evaluated players for the last 29 years at more than 8,000 ballgames, has a good eye for identifying young men with that unique combination. “When we’re looking at a player, of course talent is necessary, but mental makeup is huge,” said Arbuckle, senior adviser to the general manager/ scouting and player development for the Kansas City Royals. “Players need to be aggressive and have poise, a tremendous work ethic and focus. We try to put the pieces of that puzzle together. It’s been my experience that we’re rarely wrong on evaluating physical ability. When we miss on a player we’ve misevaluated their mental makeup.” After 12 years with the Atlanta Braves and 16 years with the Philadelphia Phillies, Arbuckle knows how to put the puzzle together. For instance, he’s drafted players such as Scott Rolen, National League Rookie of the Year with seven Gold Glove awards; Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, NL MVPs; All-Star Chase Utley; and Cole Hamels, 2008 World Series MVP. With the Braves, Arbuckle worked his way up the ranks from area scout to national supervisor. During his tenure with the Phillies, his responsibilities included assistant GM/ scouting and player Arbuckle credits his success to listening developto and learning from baseball veterans ment. when he began his Major League
“I’m proud of what we accomplished with both clubs,” Arbuckle said, “but winning the World Series in 2008 with the Phillies was quite an experience. It’s something every person in this business should get to do at least once in their career. The tension level is amazing, but so is the excitement level because every play becomes so critical.” Arbuckle’s decision to leave the Phillies was a tough one, although the location of the Kansas City Royals made it easier since his home for the last 10 years has been in Liberty – just 20 minutes from Kauffman Stadium. “Living and working in Kansas City is great because my wife, Martha, and I have four grandkids in the area. It allows me to actually have some time to see their activities, which I haven’t been able to do for years,” said Arbuckle, who for the last 10 years has spent about 280 days a year away from home. However, Arbuckle doesn’t mind the long hours and life on the road. It’s in his blood. “I don’t have any hobbies, and I don’t see myself retiring. I’ll probably get to the point someday where I cut back and only scout major league games, but that’s well down the road for me,” he said. “Baseball is what I do, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.” n
From an early age, it was apparent Mike Arbuckle ’72 had the potential to make a name for himself in the Major Leagues – as a player. Before transferring to Northwest from a nearby junior college, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, a rotator cuff injury threw the left-handed pitcher a curve ball, and it appeared his big league career was over before it even started. Today, Arbuckle is with the Kansas City Royals as senior adviser to the general manager/scouting and player development.
Baseball career.
NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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