FREEHOLD, NJ — The community is mourning the loss of Joe DePugh, a lifelong resident and former high school baseball standout, who passed away recently. DePugh was widely recognized as the inspiration for Bruce Springsteen’s song “Glory Days.”
In a statement, Springsteen paid tribute to his childhood friend:
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“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 and Springsteen’s friendship began in their youth, sharing experiences in Freehold that would later be immortalized in music history. Their enduring bond was highlighted in various accounts, including a 2011 article detailing their reconnection years after the song’s release.
The Freehold community remembers DePugh not only for his athletic prowess but also for his warmth and the lasting impact he had on those around him. His legacy continues to resonate, both locally and in the broader narratives of American music and culture.
