Gerald Chaney collapsed while singing the anthem at Rate Field in Chicago on April 14. He was treated on-site and later taken to the hospital, where he is reported to be doing well.
Key points
Gerald Chaney collapsed while singing at Rate Field
Incident occurred on April 14 during a White Sox game
Medics treated him on the field before hospital transport
White Sox reported Chaney is doing well after evaluation
Mentioned in this story
Gerald ChaneyChicago White SoxRate Field
White Sox game
Gerald Chaney collapses at Rate FieldCredit: AP Photo/Erin Hooley; AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
Gerald Chaney collapses at Rate Field
Credit: AP Photo/Erin Hooley; AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
NEED TO KNOW
Gerald Chaney collapsed while singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in Rate Field, Chicago, on Wednesday, April 14
Medics treated Chaney on the field before taking him to the hospital
The White Sox later updated game fans that Chaney was “doing well” as he continued to undergo further evaluation
The longtime national anthem singer for the Chicago White Sox has been taken to the hospital after collapsing mid-song.
Gerald Chaney was singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing" on Wednesday, April 15, at Rate Field when he suddenly paused twice and fell to the ground, according to Major League Baseball (MLB).
Medics at the game against the Tampa Bay Rays immediately assisted Chaney before he was taken away on a stretcher to the hospital for further treatment, per MLB and ESPN.
The White Sox later updated game fans that Chaney was “doing well” as he continued to undergo further evaluation.
Gerald Chaney collapses at Rate FieldCredit: AP Photo/Erin Hooley
Gerald Chaney collapses at Rate Field
Credit: AP Photo/Erin Hooley
Never miss a story — sign up for
Q&A
What happened to Gerald Chaney during the White Sox game?
Gerald Chaney collapsed while singing 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' at Rate Field.
How was Gerald Chaney treated after his collapse?
Medics treated Chaney on the field before transporting him to the hospital for further evaluation.
What is the current condition of Gerald Chaney after collapsing?
The White Sox reported that Chaney is 'doing well' as he continues to undergo evaluation in the hospital.
When did Gerald Chaney collapse during the White Sox game?
Chaney collapsed on Wednesday, April 14, while performing at Rate Field in Chicago.
Related Articles
Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Subaru vs Hyundai Set For Showdown at 2026 Nürburgring 24h
Subaru vs Hyundai: A New Rivalry at the 2026 Nürburgring 24h
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Feature
Pirates catcher Joey Bart does on-field gender reveal for pitcher Braxton Ashcraft just before his start
Pirates catcher Joey Bart surprises Braxton Ashcraft with an on-field gender reveal before his start!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer
Former Arsenal Star Alex Manninger Dies at 48 After His Car His Hit by Train
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies at 48 after being hit by a train in Salzburg.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Mike Trout makes history at Yankee Stadium
Mike Trout becomes the first visiting player to homer in three straight games at Yankee Stadium since 2013.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NHL·Preview
When do NHL playoffs start? 2026 standings, bracket and tiebreaker scenarios
NHL Playoffs 2026 begin April 18; key standings and tiebreakers explained.
to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Chaney sang the song as part of the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, which falls on April 15 every year to commemorate the day the baseball legend made his major league debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Chaney was also due to sing the national anthem.
“I kind of just saw what you guys all saw, kinda saw him go down," White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke told MLB about the incident, which happened as he was warming up in the bullpen. "They said he's doing well at the hospital now so hopefully he's going to make a full recovery from that.”
“I was just trying to make sure he was all good first and foremost and then from there just kind of building back up,” Burke added.
Chaney has been an anthem singer since the early 1990s, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Rate Field, ChicagoCredit: Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Rate Field, Chicago
Credit: Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty
He performed for the NBA's Pacers before traveling to Chicago to sing at Bulls games and has also performed at matches for the Mets, Knicks, Bears and Cubs.
White Sox manager Will Venable told MLB: “Everyone did a great job in responding and did the best to make sure he was all right.”
“I'm glad that he's OK,” Rays manager Kevin Cash added. “That was very scary for I'm sure both clubs, players. It kind of put a little bit of dull feeling there for the first inning or two.”
The White Sox official X account put out a statement that said: “The White Sox longtime anthem performer, Gerald Chaney, experienced a medical emergency while singing during pregame tonight. He received treatment by EMTs at the ballpark and was alert prior to being transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.”
The team added: “The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”
Many fans rushed to give their best wishes to Chaney in the comments, with one writing: “Sending strength and love to Gerald and his family. Hope he's back on his feet soon.”
Another said: “Praying for him to make a full recovery. 🙏🏽,” while a third added: “Well wishes. Hope he will be ok.”
The Rays ultimately won the game against the White Sox 8-3.
