White Sox Anthem Singer Collapses on Field, Taken to Hospital

Gerald Chaney, a longtime anthem performer, experienced a medical emergency during pregame festivities.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:36am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dramatic collapse of a baseball anthem singer on the field, with the stadium and crowd blurred into a chaotic swirl of brushstrokes.The collapse of a beloved anthem singer during a high-profile baseball game sparks concern and an outpouring of support from the Chicago sports community.Chicago Today

Gerald Chaney, a longtime anthem singer for the Chicago White Sox, collapsed while performing Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing as part of the team's Jackie Robinson Day festivities. Chaney paused twice during the song before collapsing, and was taken to the hospital by medical staff for further evaluation and treatment.

Why it matters

Chaney is a well-known and respected figure in the Chicago sports community, having performed anthems for the White Sox, Bears, Cubs, and other local teams for decades. His collapse on the field during a high-profile event has raised concerns about his health and well-being.

The details

Chaney collapsed after pausing twice while singing Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing prior to the White Sox game. Team and stadium medical staff rushed to attend to him, and he remained down for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and taken off the field. The White Sox released a statement saying Chaney was alert prior to being transported to the hospital.

  • Chaney collapsed while performing the anthem on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Gerald Chaney

A longtime anthem singer for the Chicago White Sox who has also performed at Bears, Cubs, Mets, and Knicks games. When not singing at sporting events, Chaney teaches English and Language Arts to students in the Chicago Public Schools system.

Chicago White Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“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 entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”

— Chicago White Sox

“I am not there to get the crowd all crazy. I'm reminding people of the perseverance and the triumph over tragedy. What does Francis Scott Key say? He looks out of the ship, and the flag is still there.”

— Gerald Chaney, Anthem Singer

What’s next

The White Sox have not provided an update on Chaney's condition or the cause of his collapse. The team and Chaney's family will likely release more information in the coming days as he undergoes further medical evaluation and treatment.

The takeaway

Chaney's collapse on the field has raised concerns about his health and well-being, but also highlights his importance as a beloved figure in the Chicago sports community. The outpouring of support from the White Sox organization and fans underscores Chaney's impact and the hope for his full recovery.