Burger recognized by Giants with first Heart of the Game Award

SAN FRANCISCO -- Getting an humanitarian award from your team is satisfying enough. Getting one from an opponent rises to another level.

Rangers first baseman Jake Burger experienced that before Friday night’s game when a Giants employees group dedicated to families with special needs presented Burger with their first Giants Heart of the Game Award.

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The group says the honor “celebrates an MLB-connected individual whose contributions off the field are as impactful as their achievements on it” and “specifically recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to the special needs community through advocacy, service and genuine human connection.”

Last month, the Burger Family Foundation, dedicated to helping children with Down Syndrome and their families, achieved its 501(c)3 tax status, allowing contributors to take charitable deductions.

Burger and his wife Ashlyn have a 6-month-old daughter, Penelope, who was born with Down Syndrome, making this cause personal.

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The foundation’s initial push is raising money to help Down Syndrome families with medical bills and other expenses. The Burgers then hope to build a ranch in Tennessee, where they live, and invite the children to commune with nature and animals. They ultimately hope to open a ranch in Texas, too.

“I know the Giants organization does a lot with kids with special needs,” Burger said before he was presented the award in an informal pregame ceremony. “It’s really incredible that a different organization is going to give me an award for what we’re doing with our foundation.”