Matt Shaw misses Cubs game to honor Charlie Kirk at memorial service
- Matt Shaw missed a crucial Cubs game to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, who was shot on September 10.
- Shaw emphasized his personal connection with Kirk and the impact of faith on his decision.
- His choice sparked mixed reactions in the sports community, underlining the tension between personal values and professional obligations.
In the United States, 23-year-old Matt Shaw, a rookie third baseman for the Chicago Cubs, made headlines recently after he chose to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, missing a pivotal game against the Cincinnati Reds. The memorial took place in Glendale, Arizona, following Kirk's tragic assassination while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Shaw highlighted his close friendship with Kirk, which formed when they both lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona. The late Kirk was not only an activist but also an ardent Cubs supporter who frequently communicated with Shaw, sharing encouragement after games. During this tumultuous period, Shaw felt a strong duty to attend the service to pay his respects and support Kirk’s family. He openly expressed that this decision was essential to him, emphasizing how important faith and personal connections are in his life. The Cubs were engaged in a competitive race for postseason seeding, making Shaw's absence from the game notably controversial. Team personnel had approved his attendance, and he mentioned he was ready for any potential backlash regarding his choice. Shaw's comments made it clear that his faith was paramount to him and that he went to honor a cherished friend. He recounted how he used to receive enthusiastic messages from Kirk after every Cubs match. By choosing to mourn Kirk, Shaw prioritized personal loyalty and faith over team obligations, a decision criticized by some commentators as unconventional, especially given the stakes of the Cubs' playoff chase. In the aftermath, reactions from the sports community have been mixed. Some express admiration for Shaw’s commitment to friendship and faith, while others question the appropriateness of missing a crucial game for such reasons. Ultimately, however, Shaw maintained that attending the memorial was a non-negotiable for him, illustrating a deeper narrative of values over professional commitments that resonated with many players and fans alike.