During a Jackie Robinson Day celebration at Rate Field, ahead of a game between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays, longtime Chicago performer Gerald Chaney stepped up to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” But just seconds into the performance, something went wrong.
Chaney suddenly hesitated mid-song. He tried to restart, paused again — and then collapsed near home plate.
The crowd went silent as players, coaches, and fans watched in disbelief.
Medical teams rushed onto the field within moments, with paramedics and EMTs working urgently to treat him as both teams stayed in their dugouts. The scene quickly shifted from celebration to concern as all attention focused on Chaney’s condition.
After several tense minutes, he was placed on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital.
In a positive update, the White Sox later confirmed that Chaney was alert when he left the stadium — and in an incredible twist, he was even singing again while recovering.
“The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery,” the team said in a statement.
The game was delayed for about 12 minutes before resuming, with the Rays going on to defeat the White Sox 8-3. But the score quickly became secondary to what fans had just witnessed.
Chaney isn’t just any performer — he’s a familiar face in Chicago sports, having sung at games for the Bulls, Bears, and Cubs for years. Off the field, he’s also a dedicated drama and history teacher, making his impact felt far beyond the stadium.
Hope he is OK!