Jake Burger will wear No. 21 with the Texas Rangers, a number that holds deep meaning for his family after his daughter was born with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome, medically known as trisomy 21, is a condition where a person has an extra chromosome, leading to mild to moderate cognitive delays, developmental challenges, and physical difficulties.
“This is the first time I can pick a number that’s not just close to my heart, but close to a lot of people’s hearts,” Burger said. “For me, it’s trying to spread awareness and try and get the word out about Down syndrome and how people can get support. I’m just really proud of this number, and really excited to wear this and represent my daughter, but also so many people out there.”
Burger’s daughter, Penelope, who was born on October 25, was being held by her mother, Ashlyn, while Burger spoke to reporters at the Rangers’ annual awards dinner on Friday night. This event marked the first time Burger appeared publicly with the team after being traded from Miami on December 11. His parents and his 2-year-old son, Brooks, were also present.
Burger credits his wife with the idea of wearing No. 21 and had planned to switch from No. 36 with the Marlins before the trade. The couple received their daughter’s diagnosis last April.
He shared that they are starting a foundation to help other families affected by Down syndrome.
“We’re really, really excited to push that forward and help as many families as we can,” Burger said. “For us, we call it the lucky few. That’s families with Down syndrome, with a kid affected with Down syndrome. And that’s how my wife, Ashlyn, and I feel. That’s how Brooks feels as her brother.”
In an Instagram post shortly after Penelope’s birth, the couple shared that Burger was the only active MLB player with a child who has Down syndrome. They said they knew that God had given them “some really special work to do.”
Burger mentioned that Penelope is “doing great” but has a heart condition that will require surgery during spring training. He plans to leave Arizona temporarily to be with his family during the procedure in Nashville.
“She’s the strongest little person I know, and I know that she’s going to get through that with a breeze,” Burger said. “I’m just praying for her every day.”
The Rangers also signed free agent designated hitter Joc Pederson this offseason. Pederson’s older brother, Champ, has Down syndrome. Burger expressed excitement about connecting with his new teammate while in Texas over the weekend.
“Seemed like fate a little bit with him signing here,” Burger said. “I love the way he plays the game and how much fun he brings to the game. But not only that, we’re obviously connected way more deeply than that. So I’m really excited to meet Champ. And, you know, he’s another person in our circle that’s going to be there to support us.”
