White Sox Anthem Singer Collapses During Pregame Hymn

Gerald Chaney, a longtime anthem singer for the Chicago White Sox, collapsed on the field Wednesday night while performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before the team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The incident occurred during pregame ceremonies marking Jackie Robinson Day, which commemorates the date in 1947 when Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier. Chaney, who was scheduled to also sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," had begun the hymn, known as the Black national anthem, when he paused briefly. He resumed but collapsed shortly after, falling to the ground behind home plate. Emergency medical technicians rushed to his side, providing care for several minutes before placing him on a gurney and transporting him off the field. The White Sox reported that Chaney was alert at the time.

The medical emergency delayed the start of the game by 12 minutes. Tampa Bay went on to defeat Chicago 8-3, extending its winning streak to five games.

In a statement released that evening, the White Sox expressed support for Chaney. "The White Sox longtime anthem performer, Gerald Chaney, experienced a medical emergency while singing during pregame tonight,"...