CHICAGO — A medical emergency during pre-game ceremonies at Wednesday night’s Chicago White Sox versus Tampa Bay Rays matchup sent a performer to the hospital and delayed the start of play.
Gerald Chaney, a Chicago resident, experienced a collapse while performing during Jackie Robinson Day commemorations at the ballpark. The White Sox organization reported that Chaney remained conscious following the incident that occurred as he sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” widely recognized as the Black national anthem.
The performer had begun singing just a few words of the hymn when he paused, attempted to continue, then fell to the ground. Medical personnel responded immediately, providing treatment on the field for several minutes while both teams observed from their respective dugouts.
Paramedics eventually transported Chaney from the playing field on a stretcher to receive further medical care. The baseball game’s first pitch was pushed back by 12 minutes due to the medical situation.
