Singer Gerald Chaney Collapses During Jackie Robinson Day Festivities

Gerald Chaney collapsed while performing 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' during the Jackie Robinson Day festivities before the Chicago White Sox's game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 15, 2026. Chaney paused twice during the performance before collapsing, prompting emergency medical technicians to attend to him for several minutes.

After the incident, Chaney was loaded onto a gurney and taken from the field.

The Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays teams observed the situation from their dugouts. The start of the game was delayed by 12 minutes due to the incident. Chaney was taken to a hospital for evaluation and is reported to be doing well.

The Chicago White Sox stated that he was alert before leaving Rate Field and expressed their support for Chaney and his family, wishing for a full and speedy recovery. Chaney has been a longtime anthem performer for the White Sox, having sung at games since the early 1990s. He was also scheduled to perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner' after 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' on the day of the incident.

In the game that followed, the Chicago White Sox lost to the Tampa Bay Rays with a final score of 8-3.