Bruce Springsteen Pays Tribute To Childhood Friend Joe DePugh, Who Inspired His Hit “Glory Days”

In an Instagram post on March 30, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Joe DePugh, the New Jersey pitcher who inspired his hit song, “Glory Days,” after DePugh’s recent passing at age 75. The childhood friends, who grew up playing baseball together in Freehold, N.J., had a memorable encounter in 1973 that later became the basis for a memorable verse featured on Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. album. “Just a moment to mark the passing of Freehold native and ballplayer Joe DePugh,” Springsteen wrote. “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 recounted their friendship in various interviews over the years, revealing that he was the real-life inspiration behind the iconic track, “Glory Days,” which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. DePugh died following a battle with cancer. In additional Springsteen news, The Boss confirmed on Wednesday (April 2) that he will be releasing Tracks Vol. II: The Lost Albums, with additional information about the project revealed on April 3. (Billboard)