Chicago Cubs Player Matt Shaw Stands by His Faith After Attending Charlie Kirk Memorial
In a candid moment with reporters, Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw openly discussed his decision to miss a game against the Cincinnati Reds to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona. The young baseball player expressed that he was “not concerned at all” about any potential backlash for his choice, explaining that his connection with Kirk was rooted in their shared Christian faith. “That’s something that drives me every day, the reason why I’m able to do what I do every day, and that’s something I’m extremely thankful for,” Shaw told reporters before a game against the New York Mets. His manager, Craig Counsell, had simply informed the media that Shaw was absent to attend a friend’s funeral, but the player himself chose to be more forthcoming about the circumstances.
Shaw revealed that he and Kirk had developed a friendship during the previous offseason when they lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona. Despite the demands of the MLB season, they maintained contact throughout the year. Kirk, who was tragically assassinated on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University, was described by Shaw as “one of the biggest Cubs fans I ever met.” The ballplayer shared that he experienced profound emotion upon learning of Kirk’s death: “When that happened, a lot of emotions came over me. I didn’t foresee that happening… But I will say I was tearing up pretty good. I had a lot of teammates supporting me, and that will be something I’ll remember for my entire life.” Shaw had been removed from the Cubs’ lineup that night before a game against the Atlanta Braves.
The decision to attend the memorial came after Kirk’s widow, Erika, personally requested Shaw’s presence. Before making his choice, Shaw consulted with manager Counsell and several teammates, finding that his decision was understood and accepted within the organization. “Whatever backlash comes is OK,” Shaw stated with conviction. “I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened.” This statement reflects the player’s prioritization of his personal values, even amid the demanding schedule of professional baseball. Shaw’s willingness to be transparent about his reasons demonstrates a rare vulnerability in professional sports, where athletes often avoid discussing matters that might be considered politically sensitive.
The connection between Shaw and Kirk transcended casual friendship, according to the Cubs player. “The reason Charlie and I connected so close was because of our faith,” he explained to reporters. “That’s something that drives me every single day, something that I think about all the time.” Shaw emphasized that his faith and the blessings he’s received are fundamental to his identity and success: “If people are wondering who I am and what I stand for, I’d say that my faith and the many blessings I’ve been given are why I’m able to be here, and I just want to make sure that I can give that back to people, that I can support people around me, that I can love people around me the same way that I’ve been blessed.” This perspective reveals how Shaw’s religious convictions inform not just his personal relationships but his approach to his baseball career and public life.
The Chicago Cubs organization joined other MLB teams in paying tribute to Kirk following his assassination. The team called for an end to “all political violence” in a public statement, and in accordance with MLB’s request following President Donald Trump’s proclamation honoring Kirk, the flag at Wrigley Field was flown at half-staff. This organizational response provided a context of support for Shaw’s individual decision to attend the memorial, though the player made it clear that his choice was primarily personal rather than political in nature. The Cubs’ loss to the Reds without Shaw in the lineup – a narrow 1-0 defeat – underscores the professional sacrifice the player made to honor his friend and his faith.
Shaw’s openness about his relationship with Kirk and his unapologetic stance regarding his faith-based decision making offers a glimpse into the personal values that athletes carry alongside their professional identities. While many professional athletes might avoid discussing potentially divisive topics, Shaw chose transparency, emphasizing that his faith is inseparable from who he is as both a person and a baseball player. His statement that he hopes to one day help the Cubs “win championships” while staying true to his personal convictions demonstrates how he balances professional ambition with personal integrity. As Shaw returns to the Cubs lineup, his willingness to stand by his values regardless of potential criticism provides a compelling example of authenticity in the public spotlight.
