Sports memorabilia collector fights off robber with NY Yankees bat

PALMETTO, FL (Valerie Boey) - Harry Robelen has been collecting baseball cards and other sports memorabilia for the last 30 years. The retired veteran sells the merchandise out of his home. An autographed Derek Jetter jersey caught a young customer’s eye. As Harry bent down to get it, the teenager hit him with a steel pipe.

Harry Robelen, Fought Off Robber: “The first time he hit me I went down on my right knee and the second time I went down all the way.”

Harry’s blood splattered everywhere.

Harry Robelen: “He started yelling, give me your money, give me your GDF money or I'll kill ya and he hit me again on the head.”

That’s when Harry took out a 1968 Ron Swoboda bat.

Harry Robelen: “I threatened to hit him and then he turned around and ran.”

Six months ago three teenagers ran away after they also tried robbing Harry.

Harry Robelen: “I told them either get out and stay out or you're going to be carried out.”

Even though his head still stings after this attack, he’s not angry. In fact Harry hopes the robbery suspect returns.

After his wife Barbara was murdered in 1978, he decided he wanted to help people.

Harry says the suspect is a white male, 16-18 years of age. He’s around 6’0 and 150 pounds with brown medium length hair. Anyone with information should call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS.