Freehold native and former baseball pitcher Joe DePugh has passed away at age 75, leaving behind a lasting legacy as the inspiration for Bruce Springsteen’s hit song “Glory Days.” A part-time neighbor of Springsteen’s in Palm Beach County, Florida, DePugh’s life story was forever linked to the iconic musician.
DePugh, known for his impressive speedball pitching skills and basketball abilities, tried out for the Los Angeles Dodgers and played at King’s College in Pennsylvania. He met Springsteen in 1973 at a local bar, where they struck up a conversation that would later influence “Glory Days.” The song’s lyrics capture DePugh’s nostalgic reminiscences about his glory days on the baseball field.
In an interview with the Palm Beach Post, DePugh recalled being the subject of Springsteen’s song, saying, “I was tickled pink I would even get into the song… It’s about living in the past and letting go.” Despite initial concerns that Springsteen might have taken a jab at him, DePugh appreciated the recognition.
A friend and long-time Freehold Borough teacher, Rich Kane, described DePugh as someone who always put his family first, saying, “All he wanted to do was raise his brothers, play baseball, play basketball, and just hang in Freehold Borough.” DePugh’s passing leaves a void in the community, with Kane stating, “This one hurt. Joe and I were very close.”
Springsteen has paid tribute to DePugh on social media, sharing a heartfelt message about their friendship and his admiration for DePugh’s legacy. The “Glory Days” baseball exhibit at the Borough Hall in Freehold features a video chat with DePugh, along with other notable figures from Springsteen’s hometown.
A QR code links to this exclusive content, allowing fans to pay tribute to Joe DePugh and celebrate his enduring impact on music and community spirit.
Source: https://eu.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/03/31/bruce-springsteen-glory-days-inspiration-joe-depugh/82741368007