In a heartwarming gesture, Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has announced he will wear jersey No. 21 this season to honor his infant daughter Penelope, who was born with Down syndrome. The number holds special significance as Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21, a condition where an individual is born with an extra chromosome.
Burger, who was recently acquired by the Rangers in a trade from the Miami Marlins, credits his wife Ashlyn with the idea of wearing No. 21. The couple received their daughter’s diagnosis last April and have since embraced being part of what they call “the lucky few” – families with a child affected by Down syndrome.
“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. 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.”
– Jake Burger on choosing to wear No. 21
Raising Awareness and Support
By wearing No. 21, Burger aims to accomplish several important goals:
- Spread awareness about Down syndrome and educate people about the condition
- Provide support and resources to families who have a child with Down syndrome
- Celebrate the unique gifts and potential of individuals with Down syndrome
- Promote inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities
The Burgers are also in the process of establishing a foundation to assist other families impacted by Down syndrome. Through this initiative, they hope to make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals and families navigating the joys and challenges that come with a Down syndrome diagnosis.
A Teammate Connection
Interestingly, Burger won’t be the only Ranger with a personal connection to Down syndrome. This offseason, the team also signed free agent Joc Pederson, whose older brother Champ has Down syndrome. Burger expressed excitement about the opportunity to meet Champ and form a support network with Pederson.
“Seemed like fate a little bit with him signing here. 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.”
– Jake Burger on teammate Joc Pederson, whose brother has Down syndrome
Focusing on Family and Baseball
While Burger is passionate about his new mission off the field, he remains dedicated to his craft on the diamond. The 28-year-old slugger is eager to make an impact with the Rangers and help the team succeed in the competitive American League West.
However, Burger’s top priority will always be his family. He shared that Penelope will require heart surgery at some point during spring training, and he plans to leave Arizona to be with his wife and daughter 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. I’m just praying for her every day.”
– Jake Burger on his daughter’s upcoming heart surgery
As Burger embarks on this new chapter with the Rangers, he carries with him a powerful sense of purpose both as a father and as an advocate for the Down syndrome community. By wearing No. 21, he hopes to inspire others, spread joy, and make a lasting impact that extends far beyond the baseball field.
