By Melanie Zayas, AAP Intern

If you have a question about collecting sports memorabilia, Pennsauken resident Ron Bittle would have an answer. Bittle, who has lived in the Meadowbrook section of Pennsauken for over 20 years, is an avid sports memorabilia collector. In fact, Bittle’s basement holds a display of over 3,000 figurines, signed baseballs, bats and more.

Ron owns bobble heads of every player anyone could think of naming. Some of his memorabilia includes original packaged and autographed sports player figurines including those of Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, which adorn the walls of his basement. His collection is divided into three separate rooms. The first and biggest room holds a vast amount of baseball memorabilia; the second filled with hockey items; and the third begins his newest football collection.

Bittle’s all time favorite player is Bernie Parent. “He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet,” says Bittle. “Hockey players are usually very down to earth. He’s one of the best goalies of all time and one of the greatest people I have ever met.” Baseball is his Ron’s favorite sport, which he thoroughly follows; and his most cherished keepsake is a signed jersey from former Phillies left fielder, Greg “The Bull” Luzinski.

Bittle highly emphasizes that going to shows and visiting the ballpark after game hours are the best ways to receive a well-crafted signature.

Be sure to tune into your local news Channel 19 for a brief tour of the sports collection.