Chicago White Sox national anthem singer Gerald Chaney collapsed on the field in a frightening scene ahead of the team’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The team took to social media during the game to explain that Chaney had suffered “a medical emergency” on Wednesday, April 15.
“He received treatment by EMTs at the ballpark and was alert prior to being transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment,” the White Sox posted. “The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”
Chaney was performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, when he fell to the field behind home plate. He was taken off the field on a stretcher, according to reporters at the game.
The performance of “Lift and Every Voice and Sing” was in honor of Jackie Robinson Day, which occurs annually on April 15.
After Chaney collapsed, the start of the game was delayed by 12 minutes. The Rays ultimately defeated the White Sox, 8-3.
The White Sox have not provided an update about Chaney’s condition at the time of this story’s publication.
“Scary stuff, and really just hopeful that he was all right,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the game. “I was really glad to hear that he is doing well, but obviously a scary moment. Everyone did a great job in responding and did the best to make sure he was all right. So, really good news to hear that he is all right. And yeah, I think that’s the most important thing.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash added, “I’m glad that he’s OK. Appreciate the White Sox and really everybody that played a role, and they came over and kind of told us that they thought he was going to be OK. But that was very scary for, I’m sure, both clubs, players. It kind of put a little bit of a dull feeling there for the first inning or two.”
Baseball fans rallied around Chaney in the comments of the Chicago team’s social media post.
“Sending strength and love to Gerald and his family,” one person wrote. “Hope he’s back on his feet soon.”
Another fan said, “One of the nicest people you could ever want to meet. I was horrified watching that happen. I pray he recovers quickly!”
“Well wishes from the Rays fanbase as well! ❤️🩹,” an opposing supporter wrote.
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