Kollector’s Korner Met-o-ra-bil-ia Hall of Fame Inductee # 3: The Ultimate Mets Collector: Frank Lange’s Journey from Shea to Shining Sea

Welcome back to Kollector’s Korner: Met-o-ra-bil-ia Hall of Fame! If you laminated our first two installments, you’re a true collector at heart—just don’t try to get it graded by PSA. This month, we turn our attention to another dedicated Mets memorabilia maestro, a man whose passion for the orange and blue runs deep.

From Brooklyn to Queens, from the flight decks of the U.S. Navy to the Mets’ minor league complex, our newest inductee has carried his love for the Amazins through every chapter of his life. Whether it was attending five World Series games at Shea, having his U.S. Navy retirement flag flown at the ballpark, or becoming "Tio Frank" to generations of Mets prospects, he embodies what it means to be a lifelong fan and collector. His collection spans multiple rooms, his generosity extends to Mets players and coaches alike, and his stories—well, they’re Hall of Fame-worthy.

So, let’s meet our latest inductee: Frank Lange.

To know Frank Lange is to understand the perfect blend of Mets devotion, military discipline, and a dash of seafaring swagger. Born and raised in Brooklyn and Queens, Frank’s Mets love story began in childhood, courtesy of his older brother Mike, who made sure little Frank never missed a chance to take in the Amazins. From there, it was a one-way ticket to a lifetime of collecting and an obsession that could make even Mr. Met do a double take.

But Frank’s story isn’t just about baseballs and signed jerseys—though he has over two thousand pieces of Mets memorabilia to his name. It’s also about service. At 18, he joined the U.S. Navy with plans to eventually become an NYPD officer. Life had other ideas, and after a long, storied career in both military and law enforcement, Frank is now “triple retired.” That leaves him with plenty of time to do what he loves best—collect Mets gear and hang out with his extended baseball family at the Mets minor league complex, where he's affectionately known as TIO (Uncle) Frank.

Frank’s collection isn’t just big—it’s museum-worthy. He’s got game-used bats, jerseys, baseballs, and enough Mets swag to outfit an entire team (plus the bullpen). His crown jewel? A Doc Gooden number retirement ring, a prized possession that even Doc himself might be jealous of. But perhaps his most unique item is a 2015 NLCS ring, gifted to him by a dear friend who was a coach.

If that doesn’t make him a Mets memorabilia legend, consider this: Frank has been to five World Series games at Shea Stadium—all for free, thanks to the Mets’ unwavering support of the military. He even had his U.S. Navy Retirement American Flag flown at Shea, cementing his lifelong connection to the team. And if you ever find yourself in his home, prepare to be amazed—players and coaches who visit have dubbed it the Mets Museum (and you can bet admission is cheaper than Cooperstown).

I was lucky enough to get an up-close and personal look at Frank’s collection during Spring Training when he gave me a private tour. To say it was impressive would be an understatement. Walking through his home felt like stepping into a Mets time capsule, with walls adorned with signed jerseys, some even representing his birthdate, game-used bats carefully displayed, and shadow boxes he designed himself, each piece carrying its own unique story. It was clear that Frank doesn’t just collect Mets memorabilia—he preserves Mets history.

While some folks might elbow their way to a signed ball like it’s the last slice of pizza at a family gathering, Frank’s golden rule is simple: respect the players. He’s seen it all—pushy autograph seekers, eBay hustlers at Spring Training (or as he calls them, “clowns”), and collectors who forget that, hey, these guys are at work. His advice? Be polite, be patient, and don’t interrupt a player when he’s trying to eat his postgame steak (because who wants to sign a ball with BBQ sauce on their hands?).

Frank doesn’t just bleed orange and blue—he’s got saltwater in his veins. A retired Navy man, he splits his time between baseball season and cruising season (because, as he puts it, “sailors belong at sea”). His respect for service runs deep—his family boasts war heroes, including an uncle who perished on the USS Arizona and another who survived brutal treatment as a WWII POW.

Every collector has that one elusive piece they dream about. For Frank, it’s a World Series Trophy—though he admits he’d much rather meet Keith Hernandez and have him sign a photo that carried him through every deployment to war zones in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. It hung on the wall next to his bunk on every ship, a silent anchor to home amid the chaos of service. Now, it rests in his closet, waiting for Keith’s autograph before it takes its rightful place beside his military medals—a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a fan and his team.

And if you’re wondering how much he’s shelled out for his collection, well, good luck getting that answer—some things are classified, even for a retired military man.

If you had to sum up Frank Lange, you’d need more than three words. But if we’re sticking to the rules, he’s dependable, honest, and caring. A man of his word, a stickler for integrity, and the guy who’ll go out of his way to help others—whether that’s minor leaguers looking for advice or rookies enjoying a paella feast he cooks up himself (because nothing says “welcome to the Mets” like a home-cooked meal).

Frank’s journey isn’t just about amassing memorabilia—it’s about respect, camaraderie, and the love of the game. His collection tells a story of dedication, perseverance, and the unique way sports can bring people together. If you’re looking to start your own Mets collection, take a page out of TIO Frank’s playbook: be polite, be patient, and remember—it’s not just about the stuff, it’s about the stories behind it.

Oh, and if you ever get invited to his place for steak and shrimp, don’t pass it up—there’s a good chance you’ll leave with a great story and maybe even a new appreciation for the art of collecting.

Here’s to you, Frank Lange—our latest inductee into the Kollector’s Korner: Met-o-ra-bil-ia Hall of Fame!