Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw missed Sunday's game to attend Turning Point USA co-founder and media personality Charlie Kirk's funeral. Kirk, who was one of the most influential voices in conservative media, was assassinated on September 10. A funeral service was held on Sunday, September 21 — an event that saw many prominent people speak such as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Kirk's widow (and recently appointed Turning Point USA CEO) Erika Kirk. Shaw, who called Kirk a personal friend, revealed that Erika texted him to see if he could attend the funeral service.
“Charlie, he was someone that I met in the apartments in Arizona where I lived,” Shaw told reporters Tuesday, via Josh Frydman. “And then someone who was one of the biggest Cubs fans I ever met. He texted me after every game, you know, great win for the Cubbies. Super, super supportive of us. And obviously someone who was really faithful, so we connected on that front.
“But yeah, I mean, his wife Erika had texted me if I would come to the funeral. I felt as though it was something that was really important for me to do.”
Kirk, who was originally from Illinois, was indeed a Cubs fan. According to Matt Shaw, Charlie Kirk would often text him after Cubs' victories in support of the team.
A reporter followed up on Shaw's initial comments by asking the rookie infielder if he was concerned about potential backlash for attending the funeral service. Shaw made it clear that he was not worried at all, however.
“I'm not concerned at all, no” Shaw responded. “My connection with Charlie was through our faith. That's something that drives me everyday. That's the reason why I'm able to do what I do everyday. And that's something I'm extremely thankful for. I know without my faith and without the many blessings I've been given in my life, that I wouldn't be here, able to talk to you guys, able to help this team eventually go and win championships. So, that's something I feel really, really blessed about.
“Whatever backlash comes is okay, you know. I feel strong about my faith.”
Who is Matt Shaw?
The Cubs are pushing toward the postseason. As a rookie, Shaw has made a significant impact in his first MLB campaign. The 23-year-old is hitting just .223/.292/.386 across 121 games played, but he has crushed 12 home runs and 21 doubles to go along with 16 stolen bases. Additionally, Shaw has held his own at the hot corner, appearing at third base in 119 games.
Shaw grew up playing baseball in the Massachusetts area. He would later attend and play his college baseball at Maryland, where he emerged as a star. As a result, the Cubs selected Shaw with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Now, just two years later, Shaw is in the big leagues and helping Chicago compete for a postseason spot.
Although it has been an up and down rookie season for him, Shaw has made a big impact while displaying signs of potential for the future. The Cubs are hopeful that he will become a star at some point down the road.
