Jake Burger, the Texas Rangers’ prominent player, along with his spouse, Ashlyn Burger, vividly recall the precise instant their world underwent a transformation.
Ashlyn was expecting their second child — their firstborn, a son named Brooks, arrived in November of the year prior — when the initial outcomes of sex determination and genetic screenings for the expected infant were delivered via email on a Saturday morning.
“I have a crystal-clear memory of it,” Ashlyn shared exclusively with Us Weekly while advocating for the couple’s first-ever Lucky Classic celebrity softball match. “I initiated a FaceTime call with Jake. Upon connecting, I announced, ‘Jake, we’re going to be parents to a girl!’ Shortly after, my eyes fell upon a prominent, red-highlighted box that read Trisomy 21, the medical designation for Down syndrome. 99 percent.”
Ashlyn added, “I promptly searched ‘Trisomy 21’ on Google, and the initial result was Down syndrome. I then informed Jake, ‘We’re going to have a daughter, and she will have Down syndrome.’”
The baseball sensation displayed a calm reaction to the announcement, which caused Ashlyn to double-check, “Are you sure you heard me correctly?”
“He responded with, ‘So?’ Ashlyn recounted. “‘If that’s the path God has set for us, we will shower her with affection and treat her equitably, without any differentiation. She is our daughter, and her having Down syndrome changes nothing. My reaction was, ‘OK, understood.’”
In October 2024, Jake and Ashlyn welcomed Penelope, their daughter, and it was not long before Brooks embraced his role as a guardian big brother.
“He shows disapproval when unfamiliar individuals hold Penelope,” Jake revealed to Us. “He displays immense tenderness toward her. He shares his possessions, ensuring she is content. It’s been heartwarming to see.”
Jake Burger, Ashlyn Burger, Brooks and Penelope Courtesy of the Burger family
Despite the unique hurdles presented by parenting a young one with Down syndrome — “It entails additional trips to medical facilities,” Jake noted — the most challenging aspect for the pair thus far involves navigating social interactions beyond their immediate family.
“It’s my observation that numerous parents, aware of our child’s Down syndrome, find themselves uncertain on how to engage, converse about, or broach the subject with us,” Jake articulated. “This, I believe, constitutes the primary hurdle in understanding.”
Ashlyn further mentioned that a widespread “misconception” paints having a child with Down syndrome in “a negative light.”
Ashlyn elaborated, “Adults with Down syndrome are capable of independent living and forming marital bonds. Their lives are not indefinitely tied to their families. The hesitation in discussing or inquiring about it stems from a perception of it being unfavorable. Contrary to this, it is a truly beautiful circumstance deserving of celebration.”
Jake and Ashlyn are set to further amplify awareness for families dealing with Down syndrome and other forms of disability at the debut of the Lucky Classic celebrity softball event held next month in Nashville.
The event promises appearances from notable figures in baseball — including Corey Seager, Brent Rooker, Bryan Reynolds, and Jacob DeGrom — who will share the field with distinguished music artists like Colbie Caillat, Tucker Wetmore, Jordan Davis, and Russell Dickerson.
“Jake conceived the idea a year prior,” Ashlyn recounted. “We considered orchestrating an extraordinary and distinct event, and what could be better than bringing together some of Major League Baseball’s finest with country musicians residing nearby? Upon discussing the concept with several players, their response was an immediate commitment to attend, regardless of location.”
Jake commented, “I believe many individuals who enjoy country music and baseball harbor aspirations of becoming country music stars, while a considerable number of country stars dream of athletic careers. This event provides a harmonious blend of both worlds.”
The proceeds generated from the event will be directed towards supporting the Burger Foundation’s objective to empower families navigating challenges related to Down syndrome and congenital heart conditions through targeted assistance, communal gatherings, and forthcoming retreat initiatives.
The Lucky Classic is scheduled for Sunday, November 16, at First Horizon Park in Nashville. Tickets can be acquired by clicking here.
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