Bruce Springsteen has paid tribute to Joe DePugh, the inspiration behind his iconic song "Glory Days," following DePugh's passing at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. The legendary musician took to social media to honor his old friend from Freehold, New Jersey, stating, "Just a moment to mark the passing of Freehold native and ballplayer Joe DePugh. He was a good friend when I needed one. 'He could throw that speedball by you, make you look like a fool'….Glory Days my friend."
DePugh, who was known as the "big baseball player" in their hometown, had a significant impact on Springsteen's life and music. The two grew up together, playing baseball in Freehold, where DePugh was the star on the diamond while Springsteen often found himself at the end of the bench. Reflecting on their youth, DePugh once humorously remarked, "We used to call him 'Saddie' because he hardly ever played."
The origins of "Glory Days" trace back to a chance encounter in 1973 outside a bar called the Headliner in Neptune City. As DePugh was walking out, Springsteen was walking in. They ended up spending the night reminiscing, closing the bar down while discussing their past. DePugh recalled, "All of a sudden, it's 1:30 (a.m.) and they started blinking the lights."
That night, DePugh spoke fondly of his glory days, a theme that resonated with Springsteen, who later immortalized their conversation in his 1984 hit. "It’s about living in the past and letting go, especially for jocks, to get out of that and live in the present," DePugh said in a 2011 interview. He expressed his delight at being featured in the song, stating, "I was tickled pink I would even get into the song. I certainly wasn’t going to complain about what he decided to write about."
"Glory Days" was the fifth single from Springsteen's blockbuster album, Born in the U.S.A., and it reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia, capturing the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about youth and the passage of time. Springsteen himself has described the term "speedball"—used in reference to DePugh's fastball—as an old phrase he heard from his grandparents, adding a layer of humor to the song's context.
DePugh's baseball prowess was well-known in Freehold. He had a standout performance in the Babe Ruth League, striking out 11 batters in a game on May 14, 1964. While Springsteen eventually rose to fame as a musician, DePugh's athletic skills made him a local star during their youth. Kevin Coyne, a Freehold historian, noted that DePugh was a "charming, gracious, modest, lovely human being" who wore his connection to "Glory Days" lightly.
For many years, the identity of the pitcher referenced in the song remained a mystery. Various locals speculated about who the "speedball" thrower might be, but it wasn't until a 2011 reunion of Freehold Little League that the truth emerged. Coyne helped organize the event, and during discussions, it became clear that DePugh was the inspiration behind the song. Don Norkus, a friend of DePugh's, confirmed the connection by asking Springsteen directly, to which the musician replied, "Yeah, it’s true." This revelation brought DePugh into the spotlight, and he was honored for his role in the song's legacy.
Throughout his life, DePugh faced significant challenges, including losing both of his parents at a young age and becoming the legal guardian of two of his brothers. After high school, he tried out for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but eventually redirected his path toward education and construction, working as a substitute teacher before becoming a contractor. DePugh later moved to Florida, where he continued to maintain connections with old friends from Freehold, including Springsteen, who owns a home in Wellington.
Despite the bittersweet themes of "Glory Days," DePugh did not dwell on the past. According to Coyne, "There’s nothing about that song that bothered him. He was not a person who was living in those days. He had had those days, he had thrived in them and he had loved them, and then he had a nice life." DePugh’s legacy, much like the song that honored him, is one of joy and celebration of life’s moments.
As Springsteen concluded his tribute, he encapsulated the enduring friendship and shared history with DePugh, reminding fans and followers of the importance of cherishing those who have touched our lives. "Glory Days my friend," he wrote, leaving a poignant reminder of the lasting connections we forge through shared experiences.
