Jake Burger Will Wear No. 21 With The Texas Rangers For His Daughter Born With Down Syndrome

Jake Burger will wear No. 21 with the Texas Rangers, a number that has special significance for the first baseman's family after his daughter was born with Down syndrome.

The clinical name for Down syndrome is trisomy 21, a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, causing mild to moderate cognitive disability, developmental delays and physical challenges.

"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."

Infant daughter Penelope, who was born Oct. 25, was being held by her mother, Ashlyn, while Burger spoke to reporters before the Rangers' annual awards dinner Friday night. It was the 28-year-old slugger's first public appearance with the team since being acquired in a trade from Miami on Dec. 11. Jake Burger's parents and his 2-year-old son, Brooks, also were there.

Burger credits his wife with the idea of wearing No. 21, and was working to change his number from No. 36 with the Marlins before being traded. The couple got their daughter's diagnosis last April.