Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has paid tribute to his old friend and former Little League teammate, Joe DePugh, who passed away at the age of 75. DePugh was a gifted athlete who inspired the song “Glory Days” in Springsteen’s iconic album of the same name.
Born on August 8, 1949, in Yonkers, New York, DePugh was known for his athletic abilities and his time as a star pitcher. He received the nickname “Saddie” from Springsteen due to his clumsy performance on the field during their high school days.
The song “Glory Days,” released in 1984, is often cited as one of Springsteen’s greatest works, with DePugh claiming that it was written about him and their shared experiences growing up. According to DePugh, he told a friend who heard the song on the radio that it was about him, and the friend confirmed it.
DePugh went on to have a successful life, working as a contractor and even meeting Springsteen again at a concert in 2004, where Springsteen shouted out “Joe D.” before singing “Glory Days.”
Throughout their lives, DePugh’s family members often spoke about his close relationship with Springsteen, who expressed admiration for DePugh’s resilience in the face of adversity. The two remained friends until DePugh’s passing, and Springsteen recently paid tribute to him on his website.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/arts/music/joe-depugh-dead-glory-days.html