
From Connor Nowak & Jack Bleimehl, Co-Founders of Next Pitch USA
With heavy hearts, we're asking our baseball community to rally behind someone who has meant so much to the game and to those around him — Cole Fialco.
Cole, a 2021 graduate of Menomonee Falls High School and a standout college baseball player, was recently diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) at just 20 years old — something almost unheard of for someone so young. During what should have been the best years of his athletic career, Cole received news that would change everything.
ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, stripping people of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. It's an unimaginable fight — and Cole is facing it with courage most of us can't even begin to imagine.
What makes this even harder is the burden his family already carries. Cole's father suffered a severe stroke just two years ago, leaving him unable to care for himself or communicate. The emotional and financial weight on the Fialco family is overwhelming.
As tournament organizers, players, coaches, and fans — we believe in something bigger than baseball. We believe in team. In showing up. In fighting together. And right now, Cole needs his team.
We've created this page to raise money directly for the Fialco family — to help cover medical costs, care, and whatever support they need in the months ahead.
Every dollar raised will go 100% directly to the Fialco family