Matt Shaw Attends Memorial Amid Backlash

Matt Shaw remains unfazed by the criticism following his decision to leave the Cubs on Sunday to attend the memorial for Charlie Kirk.

The 23-year-old rookie shared that he formed a friendship with Kirk earlier this offseason in Arizona. Shaw mentioned that Kirk’s wife, after learning of his passing, reached out to invite him to the service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Before making his choice, he consulted with manager Craig Counsell, President Jed Hoyer, and several veteran players on the Cubs.

When asked about potential concerns regarding attending a politically charged event, Shaw responded confidently. “Yeah, absolutely, I’m not worried at all, no,” he stated. “My connections stem from our faith, which motivates me daily, and that’s why I’m able to do what I do.”

While Shaw was away, the Cubs, who had already secured a postseason spot, lost to the Reds. He emphasized the significance of receiving support from his teammates prior to his departure. “I made sure everyone I spoke to was on board, and they understood my reasons. It wasn’t just a casual absence; it’s deeply tied to my faith,” he remarked. “It was heartwarming to witness the team’s backing during that time.”

Upon returning to the Cubs lineup against the Mets on Tuesday, Shaw played in eighth place and handled three bases. He reflected on the ongoing communication he shared with Kirk, praising him as a dedicated supporter of the team.

“Kirk was someone who always had our backs, very supportive and loyal,” Shaw noted, adding that their connection ran deeper than just sports.