ARLINGTON, Texas — Jake Burger will wear No. 21 with the Texas Rangers, a number that holds special meaning for the first baseman's family , because 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 that can cause mild to moderate cognitive impairment, developmental delays and physical challenges.

"This is the first time I've ever picked a number that's not only close to my heart, but close to a lot of people's hearts," Berg said. "For me, it's trying to spread awareness about Down syndrome and trying to bring awareness to People understand Down syndrome and how people can get support. I'm really proud of the number and happy to be able to wear it and represent my daughter, but there are a lot of people out there because of it."

Younger daughter Penelope, born on October 25, was held by her mother Ashlyn as Berg spoke to reporters ahead of the Rangers' annual awards banquet on Friday night. It was the 28-year-old slugger's first public appearance with the team since being acquired from Miami in a Dec. 11 trade. Jack Berg's parents and his 2-year-old son Brooks were also present.

Berg credits his wife with the idea of ​​wearing No. 21 and worked hard to change his No. 36 number with the Marlins before being traded. The couple received their daughter's diagnosis in April.

He said a foundation is being set up to help other families affected by Down syndrome.

"We're really, really excited to move this forward and help as many families as possible," Berg said. "For us, we call it the lucky few. That's families with Down syndrome, That's how my wife, Ashlyn, and I feel about having a child with Down syndrome."

Shortly after Penelope's birth, the couple posted on Instagram that Berg, the only active Major League Baseball player whose child has Down syndrome, knew God was giving them "something very special." work to be done”.

Berg said Friday that his daughter is "doing great," but she has a heart problem that will require surgery at some point during spring training. He plans to leave Arizona and be with his family during surgery in Nashville.

"She's the strongest little person I know and I know she's going to get through this easily," Berg said. "I pray for her every day."

The Rangers also signed free agent designated hitter Joc Pederson this offseason, whose older brother Chap has Down syndrome. Berg hopes to meet up with his new teammates in Texas over the weekend.

"It seemed like a bit of fate that he signed here," Berg said. "I love the way he plays the game and the fun he brings to the game. But more than that, our connection is obviously deeper than that. So I'm excited to see the champion. And, you know, he's another guy in our circle. Someone who will support us.”