University of Tennessee’s Tony Vitello Set to Coach; 20+ MLB All Stars Slated to Play.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Already swinging for the fences with its stacked roster of talent and MLB All Stars, The Burger Family Foundation is adding even more star power to The Lucky Classic with ACM and CMA Award winner Jordan Davis, ACM winners Tigirlily Gold, 4x Olympic Medalist Shawn Johnson East, former NFL player Andrew East, GRAMMY-Award winner Colbie Caillat, NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick, ACM and CMA nominated Mitchell Tenpenny, Warner Music/Prosper Entertainment recording artist Maddox Baston, ACM Award winning group LANCO, fitness entrepreneur Shawn Booth, and former NFL player David Bakhtiari. Last week, The Burger Family Foundation turned up the heat by tapping University of Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitelloas one of the head coaches. Previously announced talent includes country music favorites Russell Dickerson, Ashley Cooke, and Tucker Wetmore. These chart-topping artists and talent will join over 20 MLB All-Stars - such as Corey Seager, Brandon Lowe, Brent Rooker, Bryan Reynolds, Chris Bassitt, Josh Jung, Jonah Heim, Jack Leiter, Vinnie Pasquantino and more - for a one-of-a-kind night of music, baseball, and community celebration. And the excitement doesn’t stop there…more names will be announced soon, promising an unforgettable lineup both on the field and in the spotlight.
The star-studded celebrity softball game is set to take the field in Nashville, TN on November 16 at First Horizon Park. Tickets are on sale now HERE.
“Ashlyn and I couldn’t be more excited to bring The Lucky Classic to Nashville this off-season,” shares Jake Burger. “This city is home for us, and we wanted to create something that blends our two worlds, music and baseball, while giving back to a community we love. The outpouring of support for The Burger Family Foundation and the Down syndrome community has already been incredible, and we can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark for a day of fun, connection, and unforgettable memories."
Inspired by their daughter, Penelope, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, The Burger Family Foundation started as a dream to make a difference and has turned into a mission to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and support families like the Burger’s in meaningful ways. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, The Burger Family Foundation is building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging.
As the only active MLB player with a child with Down Syndrome, Jake kicked off his tenure with the Rangers by changing his jersey number to 21. The infielder is now sporting the number 21 to represent Trisomy 21 and the extra copy of the 21st chromosome those with Down Syndrome carry. Burger made headlines during spring training when he returned to the field straight from the hospital after Penelope’s successful open heart surgery when he hit his first home run with his new team, his new number, and Penelope’s hospital band around his wrist.
The Burger’s learned early on in Ashlyn’s pregnancy that Penelope would have Down Syndrome and immediately turned to their faith, confident they were given their platforms to tell Penelope’s story and advocate for all children with disabilities. People.com shared the news of the diagnosis and Penelope’s birth announcement.
To learn more about The Burger Family Foundation visit burgerfamilyfoundation.org or follow them on Instagram @burgerfamilyfoundation.
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