Joe DePugh, the former pitcher who inspired Bruce Springsteen's iconic song "Glory Days," has passed away at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer in Florida. His legacy as a beloved figure from Freehold, New Jersey, is now immortalized not just in the hearts of his friends but also in one of rock music's greatest anthems.

Springsteen took to Instagram to pay tribute to his childhood friend, sharing heartfelt memories of DePugh, who once had the talent to “throw that speedball by you” and leave you feeling like a “fool.” “Glory Days, my friend,” Springsteen wrote, reminding us all of the nostalgia that ties our youthful memories to the present.

Growing up in Freehold together, DePugh and Springsteen spent their early years playing youth baseball side by side. Their paths crossed again in 1973 outside a Neptune City bar called the Headliner, a reunion that sparked old memories and long conversations. In a video recorded for an exhibit in Freehold on the history of the song, DePugh recalled that chance encounter fondly, marking it as a highlight of his life.

It wasn’t until many years later, when "Glory Days" became a hit, that DePugh learned of his connection to the song. “I knew right away,” he said about the moment he first heard it. “It’s an incredible compliment.” His identity as the infamous "speedball pitcher" remained a mystery to many until a reunion in 2011 revealed his notable link to the track, confirmed by Springsteen himself.

DePugh's roots in Freehold ran deep. He was known not only for his athletic prowess on the baseball field but also for his humble demeanor. Fellow townsmen remember him as a gracious soul, someone who never flaunted his past but instead always cherished the community and friendships he built along the way.

Rich Kane, a longtime friend, reminisced about a memorable home run derby in which DePugh stood out among older competitors, showcasing his incredible talent even at a young age. "He was the smallest, youngest guy in the area, and he won it," Kane recalled, underscoring DePugh's larger-than-life personality despite his stature.

As for the song itself, while many interpret "Glory Days" as a melancholic reflection on lost youth, DePugh found no sorrow in it. His life story reflects resilience and positivity. After graduating high school, he briefly pursued baseball, trying out for the Los Angeles Dodgers before excelling in basketball at King’s College in Pennsylvania. He later became a substitute teacher and a contractor, navigating life's challenges with grace after losing his parents at a young age and becoming the legal guardian of two brothers.

DePugh's journey brought him from New Jersey to Vermont and Florida, yet he always returned home to reconnect with old friends, including Springsteen. Their enduring friendship was evident during one of their last interactions when DePugh recalled Springsteen telling him, “Always remember I love you,” a testament to their lifelong bond.

Joe DePugh may have left this world, but his spirit and the unforgettable memories he created—both on and off the baseball field—will continue to resonate with fans of Springsteen and those who cherished his friendship. He was, indeed, a true embodiment of "Glory Days."