Cubs rookie Matt Shaw defends decision to attend Charlie Kirk memorial; back in lineup vs Mets
Shaw says faith guided the choice, says he sought and received teammates’ support, and disputes concerns about backlash as the Cubs chase the postseason.
Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ 23-year-old rookie, left the team Sunday to attend the memorial for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Turning Point USA founder, who was killed at a Utah Valley University event, was honored in a service that drew a cross-section of political figures, including President Donald Trump. Shaw said his friendship with Kirk began this offseason in Arizona and that Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s wife, invited him to attend. He noted that he spoke with Cubs manager Craig Counsell, team president Jed Hoyer, and several Cubs veterans before deciding to be away for the ceremony.
“I’m not concerned about any backlash at all,” Shaw told reporters before Tuesday’s game against the New York Mets. “My connection was through our faith. That’s something that drives me every day, that’s the reason why I’m able to do what I do every day. … Whatever backlash comes is OK, I feel strong about my faith that was meant to be.” Shaw said he made sure everyone he spoke to understood why he was going and that he wasn’t leaving just to leave; he emphasized the importance of his faith as the guiding force behind the decision and his confidence in the team’s support.
Shaw said he had regular exchanges with Kirk during the season, and that the slain activist/texting habit extended into their friendship. “Kirk was one of the biggest Cubs fans I’ve ever met,” he said. “He texted me after every game, ‘Great win for the Cubbies.’ He was super, super, super supportive of us and obviously someone who was very faithful, so we connected on that front as well.” Shaw added that the two stayed in touch about the Cubs’ progress this season.
The Cubs, who had already clinched a postseason berth, lost without Shaw on Sunday, dropping a 1-0 decision to the Cincinnati Reds. Shaw described the absence as unusual but said the decision to attend was personal and faith-driven, and that he valued the support he received from teammates in choosing to attend.
He returned to the lineup on Tuesday against the Mets, batting eighth and playing third base. The team looked to continue its playoff push with Shaw back in the fold, and he said the moment reinforced the importance of faith in his daily life and in how he approaches his baseball career. “It was really nice to see how everyone was able to support me in that moment,” Shaw said. “I felt confident in my decision and grateful for the way the team responded.”
Kirk’s memorial also highlighted the broader reach of his life beyond politics. Erika Kirk, who has since taken on the role of CEO of Turning Point USA, appeared at the ceremony, which featured speakers from across the political spectrum. The event’s public attention underscored how intertwined Shaw’s personal faith and his professional life had become over the course of the season, a point he reiterated when discussing his decision to attend and the public’s reaction.
As the Cubs move deeper into late-season play, Shaw’s absence and return serve as a reminder of the balancing act players navigate between personal beliefs and the demands of professional sport. The team’s front office and clubhouse leadership have emphasized respect for players’ choices, while the on-field results continue to drive the club’s postseason pursuit. Shaw said the experience reaffirmed the value of dialogue within the organization and the importance of faith as a North Star in times of competing obligations.