Matt Shaw defends lacking Cubs recreation for Charlie Kirk memorial service

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Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw is "not involved in any respect" about any backlash he may get after skipping a recreation to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Arizona.

Shaw missed the Cubs’ 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday to attend the memorial service in Glendale, although supervisor Craig Counsell talked about to the media that Shaw wasn’t obtainable for the sport as a result of he was at a funeral for a good friend.

Shaw defined why he made it a degree to attend the memorial regardless of his staff’s schedule.

"My reference to Charlie was by means of our [Christian] religion," Shaw mentioned earlier than the Cubs opened a brand new collection with the New York Mets Tuesday, per the Chicago Sun-Times . "And that’s one thing that drives me daily, the rationale why I’m in a position to do what I do daily, and that’s one thing I’m extraordinarily grateful for.

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"I do know with out my religion and with out the various blessings I’ve been given in my life, that I wouldn’t be right here, have the ability to discuss to you guys, in a position to assist this staff finally go and win championships.

Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw high-fives teammates after hitting a two-run dwelling run within the fourth inning in opposition to the Cincinnati Reds at Nice American Ball Park Sept. 19, 2025. (Katie Stratman/Imagn Pictures)

"That’s one thing I really feel actually, actually blessed about, so no matter backlash comes is OK. I really feel sturdy about my religion and that what was meant to be occurred."

CUBS' MATT SHAW LEAVES TEAM TO ATTEND CHARLIE KIRK MEMORIAL SERVICE: REPORTS

Shaw added that he and Kirk turned associates final offseason as they lived in the identical condo advanced in Arizona. The 2 stayed involved all through the MLB season, Shaw mentioned.

Shaw mentioned he was emotional when he came upon Kirk was assassinated whereas at a talking occasion at Utah Valley College Sept. 10.

"When that occurred, lots of feelings came to visit me," he defined. "I didn’t foresee that taking place. I don’t know methods to describe the whole lot that occurred, how I used to be feeling, However I'll say I used to be tearing up fairly good. I had lots of [teammates] supporting me, and that can be one thing I’ll bear in mind for my complete life."

Shaw had been scratched from the Cubs’ lineup that evening earlier than a recreation in opposition to the Atlanta Braves.

Kirk, a local of Arlington Heights, a northern suburb of Chicago, was "one of many largest Cubs followers I ever Met," based on Shaw. Actually, Shaw mentioned it was Erika Kirk, his widow, who requested him to attend the memorial. After a dialog with Counsell and a few teammates, Shaw felt his choice to attend was accepted.

"The rationale Charlie and I related so shut was due to our religion," Shaw added. "That’s one thing that drives me each single day, one thing that I take into consideration on a regular basis. So, if persons are questioning who I'm and what I stand for, I’d say that my religion and the various blessings I’ve been given are why I’m in a position to be right here, and I simply wish to ensure that I may give that again to folks, that I can assist folks round me, that I can love folks round me the identical method that I’ve been blessed."

The Cubs have been among the many MLB groups to pay tribute to Kirk, calling for an finish to "all political violence."

Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs in motion in opposition to the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Discipline Sept. 12, 2025, in Chicago. (Michael Reaves/Getty Pictures)

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The flag at Wrigley Discipline was flown at half-staff in accordance with MLB’s request that groups observe President Donald Trump’s presidential proclamation honoring Kirk.