Burger Honored for Down Syndrome Advocacy
Jake Burger is the Rangers' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which honors players for community service. He and his wife founded the Burger Family Foundation to support Down syndrome awareness, inspired by their daughter. The foundation has partnered with the Rangers for events and is building a therapeutic ranch for children with Down syndrome.
Burger's nomination stems from work that began well before his arrival in Texas. The Burger Family Foundation, created with his wife Ashlyn, was inspired by their daughter's diagnosis and has grown into a multi-pronged effort combining merchandise sales, stadium events, and long-term infrastructure. Their "Down Syndrome is Cool" campaign has become a recognizable fundraising slogan within the Rangers' fan base.
The foundation's flagship project, "The Lucky Ranch," represents a significant commitment to providing ongoing therapeutic resources for children with Down syndrome. The award itself carries deep historical weight, having been renamed for Clemente after his 1972 death during a humanitarian mission. Notably, no Rangers player has ever claimed the honor, though the team has had recent connections to past winners.
This nomination could raise public awareness of Down syndrome advocacy on a national stage, particularly during the World Series announcement window. Families affected by Down syndrome may feel greater visibility and validation through Burger's platform, while the foundation's partnership with a major league franchise could inspire similar initiatives by other players and teams. The recognition may also encourage broader conversations about disability inclusion in professional sports communities, potentially influencing how teams approach community engagement and charitable partnerships.