Roger Clemens gave an emotional tribute to his good friend Toby Keith at the CMT Awards in Austin, Texas on Sunday. The legendary MLB pitcher got choked up while speaking about the legendary country music artist just two months after his passing.
It was a special way to honor a special man who had a profound impact on the lives of so many.
Clemens, a University of Texas alum, shared a close friendship with Keith, who was is a huge fan of the University of Oklahoma. Of course, the Sooners and Longhorns hate each other. They are huge rivals.
Despite the dislike between the two schools, Keith always rooted for Clemens’ sons when they were not facing OU. Kody Clemens and Kacy Clemens both played at UT like their dad.
Roger Clemens told a hilarious story about Toby Keith’s refusal to sing ‘The Eyes of Texas’ on stage at the CMT Awards.
At first, the pro-Texas crowd booed when Clemens mentioned Oklahoma. He shut them down and told them “no, no, not tonight. Y’all can’t boo tonight. That’s Toby’s university. This is for Toby.”
The crowd quickly changed its tune and loudly cheered for their biggest rivals — just for Keith. Clemens continued on with his anecdote.
Toby told my boys, “if you get a home run off of our Oklahoma pitcher today, I’ll sit on your dugout and sing ‘The Eyes of Texas’ with you.”
— Roger Clemens
Clemens proceeded to sing the university’s fight song with support from the crowd.
And then he finished the story with the punchline.
Well guess what? It happened!
And true to form, Toby sat on the dugout.
And with his funny and wit, he sang “I’ve been working on the railroad.” No chance Toby was going to sing ‘The Eyes of Texas!’
— Roger Clemens
Clemens closed things out with an emotional toast to Keith and his family. It included red solo cups, obviously!
Musical tributes to Toby Keith were special.
In addition to Clemens’ salute, a trio of performers sang some of Keith’s greatest hits.
Rock and roll Icon Sammy Hagar honored Keith through a performance of ‘I Love This Bar’ in homage to the many nights they spent together at Cabo Wabo.
Brooks and Dunn performed ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy.’
Lainey Wilson rocked out on a rendition of ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’
Rest in peace, Toby Keith!