Cubs’ Shaw Says Attending Kirk Memorial Was Important

The Chicago Cubs’ young third baseman Matt Shaw landed in the middle of an unusual off-field story over the weekend. He chose to miss a crucial game against the Cincinnati Reds to attend the memorial service for his close friend, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Shaw’s absence happened right in the thick of a tight playoff race, which made some fans and media do a double-take. For Shaw, though, the decision felt deeply personal — rooted in faith, friendship, and mutual respect.

Matt Shaw’s Personal Connection to Charlie Kirk

Shaw’s bond with Kirk went far beyond a casual acquaintance. They met while living in the same Arizona apartment complex, and their friendship grew stronger through a shared religious faith.

Kirk became a steady presence in Shaw’s life, often texting after games and even showing up at Wrigley Field earlier in the season with Cubs infielder Michael Busch. That’s not something you see every day from a commentator.

The Impact of Faith on Shaw’s Decision

Shaw said attending the memorial was something he felt “strongly called to do” because of his beliefs. He made it clear he wasn’t letting the possibility of criticism sway him.

For Shaw, standing by a friend in a moment of loss simply mattered more than a game, even with playoff implications hanging in the balance.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, reached out to Shaw personally and invited him to the service in Glendale, Arizona. Shaw checked in with the Cubs organization and got their approval before making the trip.

That move shows Shaw made a deliberate, respectful choice and kept his team in the loop.

The Game Shaw Missed

The Cubs lost 1-0 to the Reds on Sunday. With October baseball around the corner, every win and loss feels like it matters just a little more.

Missing a game in this context is rare, especially for a young player on the rise. It’s not the kind of call you make lightly.

Team and Media Reaction

Because Monday was an off day for Chicago, reporters didn’t get to ask Shaw about his absence until Tuesday. Shaw didn’t beat around the bush — he said he was “not concerned at all” about backlash.

Honoring his friend’s memory was non-negotiable for him.

The Cubs organization gave Shaw the time away, which says something about their willingness to respect personal matters, even during a playoff race. Fans and pundits might debate the competitive cost, but Shaw seems pretty firm in his stance.

Balancing Professional Commitment and Personal Values

Shaw’s weekend choices touch on a bigger conversation in pro sports — how you balance what happens on the field with what matters off it. Athletes get celebrated for toughness and consistency, but sometimes, real life just takes priority.

Public Perception and Legacy

Will Shaw’s absence be remembered as a moment of criticism or as an example of loyalty? It’s hard to say. For a lot of players, these moments — when personal values come first — end up being the stories that stick.

In Shaw’s case, the friendship and faith he shared with Kirk made this a heartfelt, unwavering choice.

Key takeaways from Shaw’s decision:

• Shaw built a strong personal and faith-based connection with Kirk while living in Arizona.
• Kirk supported Shaw, from texts after games to visiting Wrigley Field.
• Shaw got a personal invitation from Erika Kirk and cleared the trip with the Cubs.
• Even with the Cubs in a playoff race, Shaw put honoring his friend ahead of playing in a critical game.
• Shaw said he wasn’t worried about backlash, choosing conviction over public opinion.

Final Thoughts

Matt Shaw’s decision to skip a key game for a memorial service is going to stick in people’s minds as the Cubs’ season unfolds. In baseball, wins and stats usually dominate the conversation.

But when a player steps away for personal reasons, it always stirs up debate. For Shaw, though, this wasn’t just about baseball — it was about loyalty, faith, and showing up for a friend.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs’ Shaw: Was important to attend Kirk service