What was supposed to be a routine pregame moment at Guaranteed Rate Field turned frightening on Wednesday night when longtime Chicago White Sox anthem singer Gerald Chaney collapsed mid-song on the infield.
Chaney was performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" when he went down near second base, according to reporters at the ballpark. Paramedics and team medical staff rushed onto the field and treated him in front of a stunned crowd before he was taken off on a stretcher.
The White Sox later said Chaney was alert before being transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Scary Moment Before First Pitch
The collapse happened just minutes before first pitch, near second base, as Chaney continued his rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Witnesses said emergency personnel moved quickly, with EMTs and team medical staff converging on the infield to attend to him.
The start of the game was delayed a little more than 10 minutes while medics worked and then carefully moved Chaney onto a stretcher and off the field, according to NBC Chicago.
White Sox Respond
In a post on X, the club said that Chaney "received treatment by EMTs at the ballpark and was alert prior to being transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment." The team added that it was sending its support to Chaney and his family.
Game Resumes, Questions Remain
Once the field was cleared, the scheduled matchup went forward and play resumed as normal, even as fans and players were still processing what they had just seen.
Major League ballparks are staffed with on-site medical teams specifically for moments like this. MLB has previously highlighted how crucial that rapid response can be, pointing to a 2018 incident when White Sox reliever Danny Farquhar collapsed in the dugout during a game and was rushed to Rush University Medical Center for emergency care, according to MLB.com.
There was no immediate update on Chaney's condition at the time of publication, per NBC Chicago. This story will be updated if the White Sox or hospital release additional information.
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