White Sox national anthem performer Gerald Chaney back to singing after pre-game collapse

Attendees at Rate Field were left in a stunned silence before Wednesday’s White Sox game when Gerald Chaney collapsed while singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on Jackie Robinson Day.

Chaney, a longtime national anthem performer and beloved ballpark presence, was alert as paramedics treated him on the field. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation and doing well by the end of the game — “even singing,” according to the Sox.

“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.

Scott Stewart/Sun-Times file

The start of the game was delayed 12 minutes as crews tended to Chaney.

“Scary stuff,” Sox manager Will Venable said after his squad’s 8-3 loss. “I was really glad to hear that he is doing well, but obviously a scary moment. I think everyone did a great job in responding and did the best to make sure he was alright. So, really good news to hear that he is alright.”

Sox starter Sean Burke was warming up when the medical emergency unfolded.

“They said he's doing well at the hospital now, so hopefully he's going to make a full recovery from that,” Burke said. "I was just trying to make sure he was all good, first and foremost.”