Matt Shaw skips Cubs game to attend Charlie Kirk memorial, citing faith as driving force

Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw was not in the lineup for Sunday’s 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds after traveling to Arizona to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Glendale. Shaw’s absence came as the Cubs prepared to open a series with the New York Mets on Tuesday, with Cubs manager Craig Counsell saying Shaw was unavailable for the game because he was at a funeral for a friend. Shaw later explained the choice, tying it to a personal connection that he described as rooted in faith.

"My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith," Shaw told reporters before the Cubs began the series against the Mets, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "And 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. That’s something I feel really, really blessed about, so whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened."

Shaw added that his friendship with Kirk predated the memorial. The two became friends last offseason when they lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona and stayed in contact through the season. Shaw said he was emotional when he learned that Kirk had been assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. He described a flood of emotion and recalled the support he received from teammates in the aftermath.

The Cubs were among the MLB teams to pay tribute to Kirk, who was a longtime Cubs fan and a figure who connected with Shaw on a personal level. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, asked Shaw to attend the memorial, and after speaking with Counsell and several teammates, Shaw felt the decision was the right one and was accepted by the club. "The reason Charlie and I connected so close was because of our faith," Shaw said. "That’s something that drives me every single day, something that I think about all the time. So, 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."

The Cubs’ involvement extended beyond Shaw’s absence. The flag at Wrigley Field was flown at half-staff in accordance with MLB’s request to follow a presidential proclamation honoring Kirk, reflecting the league’s broader tribute to the former Cubs fan and advocate. The team joined others across MLB in calling for an end to political violence and in recognizing Kirk’s impact on players, staff and fans alike.

In describing the decision, Shaw emphasized his faith as a guiding principle. He said that he did not anticipate any backlash and that he would endure whatever came his way in order to honor a friend and a mentor in Kirk. The Memorial service in Glendale provided a moment of reflection for Shaw as he balanced personal conviction with professional responsibilities, a line coaches and front-office staff often walk in the high-pressure environment of a major league season.

To those who know him, Shaw’s decision underscored a broader truth within sports communities: athletes often draw strength from personal beliefs and networks outside the game, particularly when facing difficult life events. Shaw’s remarks reinforced the idea that faith can be a stabilizing force, offering perspective on a schedule that can feel relentless and shifting with little notice.

As the Cubs moved forward on their schedule, Shaw’s absence was framed by those around him as a decision aligned with his values and a tribute to a friendship that shaped his approach to the season. Counsell indicated that the team supported his choice, acknowledging the importance of personal commitments while maintaining a competitive focus on the field.

For Cubs fans, the episode highlighted a human dimension of a franchise that is often defined by its on-field results. It also reminded the baseball community of the broader connections that can exist between athletes, their beliefs, and the communities they touch through fan bases, friendships and shared experiences. The memorial and the subsequent tributes offered a quiet, disciplined counterpoint to the noise that often accompanies professional sports.

Looking ahead, Shaw said his goal remains the same: to contribute to a championship-contending team and to honor those who have shaped the path he travels as a player and as a person. His reflections during a difficult moment—paired with the Cubs’ public tribute—highlight how personal conviction and professional obligation can intersect in ways that are both meaningful and measurable on the diamond. As the season progresses, Shaw’s experiences may inform a broader narrative about leadership, resilience and the role of faith in sport.