Matt Shaw Attends Memorial for Charlie Kirk
Chicago Cubs player Matt Shaw expressed that he’s “not worried at all” about any backlash he faced for missing a game to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona. Shaw missed the Cubs’ 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday because of the memorial, but manager Craig Counsell mentioned that Shaw was really at a friend’s funeral instead.
Shaw shared his reasons for prioritizing the memorial despite his team’s obligations. “My connection with Charlie was through our faith,” he explained prior to the Cubs starting a series against the New York Mets on Tuesday. “It motivates me every day, and I’m truly grateful for that. I know that without my faith and the many blessings in my life, I wouldn’t be here, able to talk with you or help this team aim for a championship.”
He added that while he acknowledges any potential criticism, he feels incredibly blessed and stands firm in his faith. “I think if people are curious about who I am and what I represent, my faith and gratitude for my blessings are what keep me grounded,” he elaborated.
Shaw reflected on his friendship with Kirk, noting that they had lived in the same apartment in Arizona over the last offseason, staying in touch throughout the MLB season. He described the emotional impact of Kirk’s tragic death at an event on September 10th: “A lot of emotions hit me when I found out. I didn’t see it coming. It’s hard to put into words, but it really affected me. I had a lot of teammates supporting me, and it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Kirk, hailing from Arlington Heights, Illinois, was considered one of the biggest Cubs fans, Shaw stated. After discussions with Counsell and some teammates, Shaw felt supported in his decision to attend the memorial. The Cubs organization has shown support for Kirk’s memory, calling for an end to “all political violence.”
After the memorial, the Cubs played with a flag at Wrigley Field flown at half-mast, following MLB’s directive in tribute to Kirk. As they prepare for their next games, Shaw seems to hold his memories of friendship and faith close, shaping his approach both on and off the field.
