Kollector’s Korner Met-o-ra-bil-ia Hall of Fame Inductee #12 : From Mr. Met to Fantasy Camp Hall of Fame: Inside Gary Pincus’ Mets Legacy

If you’ve followed our Kollectors Hall of Fame series, you already know this is where we celebrate the diehards, the fans whose devotion to the orange and blue does not stop at the final out. These are the people who live Mets baseball, preserve its history, and build their lives around the memories the team has given them.

This month’s inductee is a little different, not just because of how he collects, but because he is someone I have known for more than 40 years. Over that time, I have watched his love for the Mets grow the same way his collection has, organically, passionately, and always rooted in personal stories rather than trends or price tags.

His fandom began the way so many great Mets stories do, sneaking off to games as a kid, soaking in the atmosphere, and letting the team become part of his identity. Today, his collection reflects decades of relationships, creativity, and moments that matter far more than market value.

Meet Gary Pincus, a lifelong Mets fan whose memorabilia tells the story of a life shaped by the Amazin's.

When he’s not hunting down the next great piece of Mets memorabilia, Gary Pincus keeps busy running his entertainment and printing business, a fast-paced world that demands long hours, creativity, and attention to detail. Those same traits show up in the way he lives his life and approaches collecting, doing it all with an ever-present smile on his face, focused, passionate, and deeply personal.

Gary’s connection to the Mets began early and perhaps a little rebelliously . As a kid, he would sneak away to attend Mets games, drawn by the magic of the ballpark and the pull of a team that felt like his own. Those early adventures cemented a bond that would grow stronger with time, eventually becoming a lifelong passion.

One thing that might surprise people who know Gary as a Mets memorabilia collector is just how specific some of his collecting interests are. Alongside a wide range of Mets items, he has built an impressive collection of Mr. Met bobbleheads, a playful and iconic corner of Mets history that reflects his appreciation for both tradition and fun.

Balancing work, family, and collecting isn’t always easy. Gary works long hours and full weeks, but no matter how busy life gets, he finds time to enjoy what he’s built. Even a few quiet moments spent looking over his collection serve as a reminder of why he started in the first place.

Outside of collecting, baseball itself remains a hands-on passion. When he can, Gary enjoys hitting baseballs in the cage, getting out on the field, and playing in a men’s league to stay in shape for one of his biggest joys — participating in Mets Fantasy Camp, where he is also an inductee into the Mets Fantasy Camp Hall of Fame. This keeps him connected to the game not just as a fan or collector, but as a true participant.

Gary’s collecting journey began organically. As a kid, he started saving Mets yearbooks, and his first true collectible was a Mr. Met bobblehead, a fitting beginning for someone who would later embrace both the history and personality of the franchise.

What draws him to Mets memorabilia isn’t just rarity or value. It’s story. Every item in Gary’s collection carries meaning, whether it’s tied to a moment in Mets history, a personal memory, or an experience that connects him more deeply to the team.

Over time, the significance of his collection has grown. Some items have increased in financial value, but others have become more meaningful on a personal level. One standout piece is a Citi Field three dimensional Charles Fazzino artwork, a limited-edition item whose value rose substantially due to its scarcity. Still, the appreciation isn’t just monetary. It represents a moment in the evolution of the Mets and the ballpark era he has lived through as a fan.

Gary is particularly drawn to the 1970s Mets, the era of Tom Seaver. He owns signed Seaver lithographs and a stat ball, pieces that honor both the Franchise himself and one of the most iconic periods in Mets history.

When deciding what to add next, Gary keeps his focus narrow and intentional. He is always on the lookout for new Mr. Met bobbleheads, staying true to the collecting lane that brings him the most joy.

Like many collectors, Gary has a dream item still on his wish list: a signed Gary Carter jersey, a tribute to one of the most beloved figures in Mets history.

One of his favorite pieces already in his collection is a David Wright signed base, personalized specifically to him. The story behind it makes it even more special. Gary had helped the Mets clubhouse with costumes for the Harlem Shake music video, and Wright personally gave him the signed base afterward, a moment that perfectly blends fandom, creativity, and gratitude.

Among the more unique items in his collection are pieces signed by players from both the 1969 and 1986 championship teams, connecting two of the most celebrated seasons in franchise history.

Gary’s collecting has also brought him close to the people behind the uniforms. He has maintained a relationship with Howard Johnson, giving him the opportunity not only to meet the former Met but also to see parts of HoJo’s own collection, a reminder that collectors come in many forms, including the players themselves.

For Gary, collecting Mets memorabilia is about meaning, not accumulation. His advice to fellow collectors is simple but profound. Make sure there’s a story behind what you collect, something that makes you feel good every time you look at it.

When it comes to influences, Gary points to some of his early bosses, mentors who helped shape his work ethic and approach to life. They taught him the importance of honesty, integrity, and doing the right thing. Gary carried those lessons into adulthood and credits them as foundational to his success as a businessman, guidance he remains deeply grateful for.

If Gary had to describe himself in three words, they would be honest, giving, and funny, qualities rooted in remembering where he came from and staying grounded no matter how successful he becomes.

His advice to new collectors is practical and heartfelt. Create a space where you can truly appreciate your collection. After all, if it is hidden away, you are missing half the joy.

For Gary, memorabilia is never about investment. He collects for personal reasons and has no intention of selling. The connection to the Mets, not the market, is what matters.

To stay informed, he relies on Mets memorabilia mailing lists, keeping an eye on new releases while remaining selective.

Gary has noticed how dramatically the memorabilia market has changed over the years. With the Mets now offering official game used items directly through team channels, access has improved, but prices have climbed. Collecting today requires more discretion and patience than ever.

While his collection has not yet been part of a public exhibition, the care and pride he takes in it make clear that it is museum worthy in spirit if not yet in venue.

Gary Pincus represents what the Kollectors Hall of Fame is all about. A fan whose love for the Mets runs deep, whose collection is guided by emotion and memory, and whose passion has only grown stronger with time.