Texas Rangers' Jake Burger to Wear No. 21 in Honor of Daughter with Down Syndrome

The MLB player aims to raise awareness for the condition while paying tribute to his newborn daughter, Penelope.

Jake Burger, recently traded to the Texas Rangers, announced he will wear No. 21 to honor his daughter, Penelope, who was born with Down syndrome.
The number 21 symbolizes Trisomy 21, the genetic condition also known as Down syndrome, which occurs due to an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Burger and his wife, Ashlyn, are establishing a foundation to support families impacted by Down syndrome, referring to these families as 'the lucky few.'
Penelope, born on October 25, 2024, will require open-heart surgery during spring training, a procedure for which Burger plans to be with his family in Nashville.
Burger expressed gratitude for the opportunity to raise awareness and hopes to connect with teammate Joc Pederson, whose brother also has Down syndrome.