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Chicago Cub’s third Baseman Matt Shaw is “not at all worried” of any setback he could get after skipping a game to join Charlie Kirk’s Memorial in Arizona.
Shaw missed Cubs’ 1-0 loss to Cincinnati Reds Sunday to attend Memorial Service in Glendale, though manager Craig Counsell mentioned to the media that Shaw was not available to the game when he was at a funeral for a friend.
Shaw explained why he made it a point to join the memorial despite his team’s schedule.
“My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] Believe, “SHAW said before the kids opened a new series of New York Mets Tuesday, per Chicago Sun time.” And it’s something that drives me every day, the reason I am able to do what I do every day and that is something I am extremely grateful for. I know without my faith and without the many blessings I have received in my life that I would not be here, be able to talk to you, able to help this team eventually go and win championships.
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Chicago Cub’s third Baseman Matt Shaw (6) High Fives teammates after hit a two-run home drive in the fourth round against Cincinnati Reds in Great American Ball Park on September 19, 2025. (Katie Stratman/Imag photos)
“It’s something I really feel, really blessed about, so no matter what setback comes is ok. I feel strong over my faith and that what should be happened.”
Cubs’ Matt Shaw leaves the team to join Charlie Kirk Memorial Service: Reports
Shaw added that he and Kirk became friends last season when they lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona. The two remained in contact throughout the MLB season, Shaw said.
Shaw said he was very emotional when he found out that Kirk was murdered while at a talking event at Utah Valley University on September 10th.
“When it happened, a lot of feelings came over me,” he explained. “I didn’t foresee that happened. I don’t know how to describe all that happened, how I felt, but I would say I was tearing pretty well. I had a lot [teammates] Support me and it will be something I will remember throughout my life. “
Shaw had been scratched from Cubs’ lineup that night before a game against Atlanta Braves.
Kirk, a resident of Arlington Heights, a Northern Condition to Chicago, was “one of the biggest kids I’ve ever met,” according to Shaw. In fact, Shaw said it was Erika Kirk, his widow who asked him to join the memorial. After a conversation with Counsell and some teammates, Shaw felt that his decision to participate was accepted.
“The reason Charlie and I connected so close was because of our faith,” Shaw added. “It’s something that drives me every single day, something that I think of all the time. So if people wonder who I am and what I stand for, I would say that my faith and the many blessings I have been given are why I am able to be here and I just want to make sure I can give it back to people that I can support people around me that I can love people in the same way.”
Cubs were among the teams in MLB to pay tribute to Kirk and urged to stop “all political violence.”
Matt Shaw from Chicago Cubs in action against Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field on September 12, 2025 in Chicago. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The flag at Wrigley Field was flown to half staff in accordance with MLB’s request for team to follow President Donald Trump’s presidential proclamation in honor of Kirk.
