Jake Burger. Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

This Rangers 1B had two reasons to celebrate on Thursday

By David Hill | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 10:31 PM ET

Texas Rangers corner infielder Jake Burger had quite the day on Thursday.

His four-month-old daughter Penelope, who was born with Down syndrome on Oct. 25, needed open heart surgery. She had that procedure on Monday at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, with the surgery being successful. Burger had been away from the team during that time to be with his family.

Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reported that Burger was at the hospital until 11 p.m. on Wednesday night. He then had a 5 a.m. flight from Nashville, landing in Phoenix at 7:40 a.m. and immediately returned to the Rangers' spring training complex.

Burger, still wearing his wristband from the hospital, was inserted into the Rangers' lineup on Thursday. He capped off the day with a bang, belting a 408 foot homer in the fifth inning of their game against the Mariners.

1st Burger Bomb of Spring! pic.twitter.com/V1Ci011Oyj
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) February 27, 2025

Burger will be honoring Penelope this season by wearing No. 21 to raise awareness for Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Burger and his wife are also starting a foundation for Trisomy 21 research and support.

The Rangers acquired Burger in a trade with the Marlins during the offseason as they looked to add more power to the lineup. He produced a .250/.301/.460 batting line in 579 plate appearances for Miami, hitting 29 homers and 23 doubles.

Burger and his family have had a rough few months filled with uncertainty. He had several reasons to celebrate on Thursday.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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