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The Chicago White Sox’ longtime anthem performer was hospitalized Wednesday night after he collapsed while performing the black national anthem before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The terrifying scene happened in the middle of the “Jackie Robinson Day” festivities, when Gerald Chaney performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The big screen at Rate Field announced Jackie Robinson Day before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago White Sox in Chicago on April 15, 2026. (Erin Hooley/AP)
Chaney, who was also scheduled to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was just a few words into singing the black national anthem when he paused. He started again but collapsed on the track.
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He was attended to by medical staff for several minutes before being taken off the field on a stretcher. The team said in a statement that Chaney was taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.
“Longtime White Sox anthem performer Gerald Chaney experienced a medical emergency while singing during tonight’s opener. He received treatment from EMTs at the ballpark and was alert before being transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.”
People tend to a man who collapsed while singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago White Sox in Chicago on April 15, 2026. (Erin Hooley/AP)
The statement continued: “The entire White Sox family sends love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Wednesday’s game was delayed by 12 minutes.
“I’m really glad to hear he’s doing well,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the game. “But obviously a scary moment. I think everyone did a great job responding and doing their best to make sure he’s OK. Really good news to hear he’s OK. That’s the most important thing, obviously.”
Tampa Bay defeated Chicago 8-3 on the road for the team’s fifth straight win.
A Tampa Bay Rays hat shows a Jackie Robinson Day patch before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago on April 15, 2026. (Erin Hooley/AP)
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