Longtime White Sox anthem singer collapses on field, taken to hospital in scary scene

Published: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 2:30 am

White Sox Anthem Singer Collapses On Field, Hospitalized

Chicago, IL - A medical emergency occurred on Wednesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, during the pre-game ceremonies. Gerald Chaney, the team's longtime national anthem singer, collapsed on the field while performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as part of the Jackie Robinson Day celebration.

Chaney, who has been singing the anthem for the White Sox since the early 1990s, paused twice during the song before collapsing. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) immediately attended to him on the field for several minutes before transporting him to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The White Sox organization confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that Chaney was alert prior to being transported. The game against the Tampa Bay Rays was delayed for 12 minutes as a result of the incident.

Chaney's career as an anthem singer spans several decades and includes performances for various professional sports teams. He has sung for the NBA's Pacers, the Chicago Bulls, the Bears, the Cubs, the Mets, and the Knicks. In addition to his singing career, Chaney is an English and Language Arts teacher in the Chicago Public Schools system. In a 2011 interview, Chaney stated that he aims to tell a story through his performances, focusing on themes of perseverance and triumph.

BNN's Perspective: The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of health and the importance of swift medical response. We wish Mr. Chaney a full and speedy recovery and commend the quick actions of the medical personnel on the scene. It is a testament to the importance of community and the shared experience of sports that the entire White Sox family has sent their love and support to Mr. Chaney and his family.

Keywords: White Sox, Gerald Chaney, national anthem, collapse, medical emergency, hospital, Jackie Robinson Day, baseball, MLB, Chicago, anthem singer, pregame, EMT, sports, health

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