Gerald Chaney, a longtime anthem singer for the Chicago White Sox, was rushed to hospital on Wednesday night after collapsing on the field during his performance.
The beloved White Sox figure was leading the ‘Jackie Robinson Day’ festivities before their game against the Tampa Bay Rays when he suffered the terrifying medical emergency.
Chaney was a few words into the hymn ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ – which is considered the Black national anthem – when he stopped. He started again and then collapsed.
Emergency medical technicians tended to him for several minutes before he was loaded onto a gurney and taken off the field. The teams watched from their dugouts.
Chaney was also scheduled to sing the US national anthem after performing Lift Every Voice and Sing. The start of the game was delayed 12 minutes in total.
The White Sox later confirmed in a statement that Chaney was alert prior to being transported to hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
A beloved Chicago White Sox anthem singer collapsed while performing on Wednesday
The singer, who was alert before being taken to hospital, was performing before Chicago’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays
‘The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery,’ the team’s statement concluded.
Scott Merkin, a White Sox beat writer for MLB.com, was one of many to pay tribute to Chaney after his medical scare.
‘He is not just an outstanding singer but a tremendous person. Prayers up for Chaney and his entire family,’ Merkin posted on X.
Another user wrote: ‘Moments like this put everything in perspective. Health first always’.
‘Thoughts and prayers to Gerald… May God bless him and a speedy recovery,’ said a third.
While a Tampa supporter added: ‘Well wishes from the Rays fanbase as well!’
