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The longtime Chicago White Sox anthem performer was hospitalized Wednesday night after collapsing while performing the black national anthem before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The terrifying scene occurred amid “Jackie Robinson Day” festivities while 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 due to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was just a few words away from singing the black national anthem when he paused. He started again but collapsed on the field.
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He was treated by medical personnel 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 pregame. He was treated by paramedics at the stadium 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 its love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Wednesday’s game was delayed 12 minutes.
“I’m really glad to hear he’s doing well,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the game. “But it was obviously a scary time. I think everyone did a great job responding and did their best to make sure he was okay. It’s really good news to know that he’s okay. That’s the most important thing, obviously.”
Tampa Bay defeated Chicago 8-3 on the road for the team’s fifth consecutive victory.
A Tampa Bay Rays cap displays 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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