Mike Petke Talks Breaking Records, 2009, And More

By: Dave Martinez | October 23rd, 2009

petke1 How many times have you heard a sports journo or commentator use the phrase “That kid’s got heart!” It is one of those cliches that stands the test of time, much like the classic “he gives one hundred and ten percent every play,” and the ever so popular “he never takes a play off. He is always competing!” But how often do those words hold water for any player?

For the answer, look no further than Mike Petke. In a year that can be described as nothing short of a disaster, Petke has lead by example in the back field, desperately trying to right the course of a franchise that tapped out on the playoffs months ago.

This weekend, Petke will be honored for his hard work and perseverance alongside Juan Pablo Angel in a post game ceremony for breaking into the MLS’s top 10 minutes played list. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on this distinct honor, the 2009 season and his career moving forward.

DM – Last we spoke, you expressed how happy you are that your career has come full circle, and you have found yourself once again in a New York kit. This weekend, the Red Bulls will be honoring you with a post game ceremony to commemorate your latest accomplishment, breaking into the MLS’s top 10 all time minute leaders. What does this achievement mean to you?

I would gladly change with whoever is at the number 100 position in this category if it meant that we (Red Bulls) were preparing for the playoffs. And that is the truth. With that being an impossibility, I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t happy to be in the top ten in this category. One thing that I never did throughout my career was to think that my spot was guaranteed. Even when I was at my best or hurting with an injury, I never took it for granted or wanted to be in the trainers room. That is why I respect guys like Juan Pablo Angel and John Wolyniec so much. They are cut from the same cloth as me in that category. When they go down like they have recently, you know they are really hurting. So what this accomplishment means to me is that I have battled and lasted for twelve years without ever giving up.

Is the accomplishment at all soured by the fact that the team has struggled so mightily this season?

Like I said before, I would gladly give this up if it meant that we were off to the playoffs. So yes, absolutely it sours it tremendously.

I have thought about what happened to us this season constantly. Thank god my wife is a former player and as competitive as me or else she might have left a long time ago. The one thing that I cannot let go of is this. I have played on a few “BAD” teams in my 12 years and the truth is that we WERE bad. We simply didn’t have quality players. With this team, across the board we have talent. And that’s what I can’t seem to let go of. One of the worst things that you can do is to waste talent. And that’s what we did this year.

What do you feel caused such a talented team to waste its potential?

You can’t put your finger on just 1 thing. It was many, many things from EVERYONE. Obviously I am not going to disclose any locker room info. At the end of the day we ALL need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we did everything possible that we could have. And if we are honest with ourselves then it can only help us moving forward.

Any words for former Top 10er, Mark Chung, as you pass your ex teammate?

Hey Mark, how are the Mona Vie sales doing?

Looking back on this season, and your career, would you be content hanging up the cleats now, or do you feel that one last hurrah, with a more successful season, playing in a new stadium, would be the proper way to close out the Mike Petke years?

Hanging up the cleats is the farthest thing on my mind. If I was somewhere else, like say Colorado last year, then even though I know that I still have a lot left to give, I might be considering moving on. However, you have to understand how I feel about playing in my hometown for this organization. Whether you call it the Red Bulls or Metrostars makes no difference to me. I plan on being on the field next season to help right the ship and I plan on being involved with the organization until the day I leave this world in some capacity. Only time will tell what capacity that will be.

How long until we can all be referring to you with the monicker of “General Manager” or “Communications Director” somewhere in the MLS? In other words – would you be willing to trade in the shorts for a suit?

Wow, you really know how to flatter someone. I will say this; I am looking no further than MLS cup 2010! As far as next year goes, I wouldn’t trade my shorts for anything short of my wife and kids good health. That’s how committed I am.

The 4-5-1 – big fan or HATE IT?

I don’t hate it, however you have to have the right team in order to play it. Having a lone striker is extremely difficult unless 10 others are on board and understand there roles to a T.

FILL IN THE BLANK: 2009 would have been a better year for this team if ____________

We didn’t go and Fuck up a great opportunity!

You have made Metro Bull history a few times, but tell me what your specific favorite and least favorite memories are playing for the New York franchise:

Top 3 in each. Here we go.

FAVORITE:

3. Adolfo Valencias goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conf
Championship in 2000 in Chicago. MLS CUP here we come.
2. Scoring the first goal of the 1999 season to beat the crew 1-0
and thinking we were a great team.
1. Being drafted to NY in 1998.

LEAST FAVORITE:

3. 10 seconds after that goal realizing it was called offside. Chicago advances
2. 1999 SEASON!
1. Being traded a few days before Christmas, 2002. Although it was for the best at that time, it absolutely crushed me.