News Summary

Michigan State University pitcher Joseph Dzierwa initiates ‘Caught Looking for Luca,’ a fundraising campaign to support 6-year-old Luca Wright battling leukemia. Dzierwa pledges donations for each strikeout he records this season, reflecting his commitment to both cancer awareness and community support. As he excels on the mound with 131 strikeouts so far, his efforts aim to make a significant difference in Luca’s treatment and inspire teamwork among his peers.

East Lansing, Michigan – Joseph Dzierwa Pitches for a Purpose, Supporting Young Cancer Patient

Joseph Dzierwa, a star pitcher for Michigan State University, has embarked on a remarkable fundraising initiative, promoting awareness and support for 6-year-old Luca Wright, who is battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dzierwa has pledged to donate a specific amount of money for every strikeout he records this season, under an initiative dubbed “Caught Looking for Luca.” This fundraising effort is part of Team Impact, a non-profit organization that connects children with life-threatening illnesses to collegiate sports teams, offering them camaraderie and support.

This season, the 6-foot-8 junior left-hander has already made a significant impact on the mound, recording a total of 131 strikeouts, including 98 strikeouts in Big Ten play, placing him second in the conference. As Dzierwa continues to excel in his performance, he aims to raise substantial funds to assist with Luca’s ongoing treatment. His team’s recent qualification for the Big Ten tournament could further enhance his opportunities to achieve additional strikeouts and, consequently, increase his contributions to Luca’s cause.

Dzierwa’s motivation to support Luca stems from a personal connection to cancer. He lost his cousin, Ethan, to the disease during their teenage years, which profoundly affected him. This personal history has fueled Dzierwa’s commitment to community outreach, a passion he has nurtured since childhood. He has a track record of engaging in charitable activities, such as raising funds for a local food pantry and an initiative that allowed children to throw pies at his face during high school, ultimately yielding $1,000 for charity.

Building Connections

Dzierwa and his teammates formed a bond with Luca after meeting him at Michigan State’s First Pitch dinner before the season began. Despite the challenges he faces, Luca has demonstrated remarkable positivity, endearing himself to the team and inspiring them to rally behind his fight. Coach Jake Boss Jr. reflected on Dzierwa’s initiative, emphasizing the shift from individual ambition focused on personal achievement to a broader goal of helping others in need.

Looking Ahead

Amid their competitive season, the Spartans needed a win against Northwestern and relied on the outcome of other games to secure their spot in the Big Ten tournament. After a decisive victory, they qualified for the tournament, allowing Dzierwa further opportunities to increase both his strikeout tally and the funds raised for Luca. Dzierwa’s commitment to staying at Michigan State instead of transferring for a lucrative name, image, likeness (NIL) deal exemplifies his dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community and with his teammates.

As Dzierwa’s career unfolds, the accomplishments he achieves on the baseball field not only showcase his talent but also reflect a deep-seated commitment to giving back during trying times. With his successful season continuing, he remains hopeful that his efforts can create a tangible difference in Luca’s life, demonstrating that the spirit of teamwork extends beyond the diamond.

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Additional Resources

• MSU Baseball’s Jacob Anderson Named to Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team
• Wikipedia: Community Service
• MHSAA News: 2025 Scholar Athlete Award Recipients Announced
• Google Search: Scholar Athlete Awards
• MSU Athletics Announces PNC Achievers Student Athletes of the Month
• Google Scholar: Athlete Student Achievement
• Dignity Memorial: Dennis Gilliland Obituary
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
• Lansing State Journal: Greater Lansing High School Senior Student Athlete College Commitments 2025
• Google News: Student Athlete Commitments

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