Bruce Springsteen Pays Tribute: Remembering Pitcher Joe DePugh, the Inspiration Behind 'Glory Days'

If Bruce Springsteen's lyrics hold up, Joe DePugh must have been quite the baseball player during his "Glory Days."

DePugh, the inspiration behind Springsteen’s famous song, passed away at the age of 75 following a struggle with cancer.

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“A brief moment to acknowledge the departure of Freehold native and baseball player Joe DePugh,” Springsteen shared on his Instagram He stood by me as a loyal friend during my time of need.

Springsteen and DePugh are both originally from Freehold, N.J., where they also played baseball together as kids.

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Although Springsteen eventually rose to become the musical icon, it was DePugh who shone as "the star" on the baseball field, whereas Springsteen was known as "the guy at the end of the bench."

We used to refer to him as 'Saddie' since he barely ever participated, DePugh previously commented regarding Springsteen. .

Like Bruce Springsteen sang about DePugh’s talents, "He could pitch that fast ball past you, making you appear like a complete novice."

Springsteen referred to DePugh’s fastball as a "speedball."

I'm not sure, bro! The phrase 'Speedball' dates back to the 1950s, so it’s probably just something I remember hearing my grandparents say, In a 2019 interview, Springsteen mentioned So, considering all that, 'Glory Days' made me laugh! I suppose! Who knows!

The song's roots trace back to their chance encounter in 1973 outside a bar called "Headliner" in Neptune City.

As the lyrics suggest, Springsteen was entering while DePugh was leaving. DePugh then returned with an old buddy, they took a seat, enjoyed some beverages, but DePugh couldn’t stop reminiscing about their golden years.

I was delighted when the song included me. I definitely didn’t have anything against what he chose to write," DePugh stated in 2011. "The lyrics revolve around dwelling in the past and learning to move forward, particularly for athletes who often find themselves stuck in old patterns. This isn't something new; people had previously pointed this out.

Before transitioning into contracting, DePugh served as a substitute teacher and eventually relocated to Florida. In this new setting, the two individuals from Freehold found themselves in proximity once more; DePugh resided in a condominium in Lake Worth, whereas Springsteen owned a property in Wellington.

Similar to his early baseball career, DePugh’s legacy will endure.

"Those Glory Days, my friend," Springsteen ended his Instagram tribute.

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