Longtime Chicago White Sox anthem performer Gerald Chaney was “alert” and recovering after collapsing at Rate Field before the team’s game on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Chaney was performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as part of the team’s “Jackie Robinson Day” ceremony.
“The White Sox longtime anthem performer, Gerald Chaney, experienced a medical emergency while singing during pregame tonight,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
Chaney collapsed after he resumed singing following a brief pause. He was tended to by medical personnel for several minutes before being stretchered off the field.
Chaney was scheduled to also sing “The Star Spangled Banner” after “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
“Scary stuff, and really just hopeful that he was all right,” said White Sox manager Will Venable after the team’s 8-3 loss. “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.”
Chney has been performing the national anthem before sporting events since the 1990s, including many games for Chicago’s teams.
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