Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw made headlines this week after missing a game to attend the memorial service for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month at Utah Valley University. While some questioned his decision, Shaw said he has no regrets — his faith and friendship with Kirk made it an easy choice.

Shaw missed the Cubs’ 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday to attend the service in Glendale, Arizona. Manager Craig Counsell explained to reporters that Shaw was absent because he was at a funeral for a friend.

Speaking before the Cubs’ series opener against the New York Mets on Tuesday, Shaw shared why he felt compelled to be there.

“My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith,” Shaw told 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. I know without my faith and without the many blessings I’ve been given in my life, that I wouldn’t be here… So whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened.”

NEW: Cubs rookie Matt Shaw says he doesn’t regret skipping his game to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

“My connection with Charlie was through our faith”

“Whatever backlash comes is ok. I feel strong about my faith & that what was meant to be happened”pic.twitter.com/aKqaRd19gS

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 23, 2025

Shaw explained that he and Kirk became friends last offseason while living in the same apartment complex in Arizona. They stayed in contact throughout the MLB season.

The young infielder admitted he was overcome with emotion when he learned Kirk had been assassinated during his September 10 speaking engagement.

“When that happened, a lot of emotions came over me,” Shaw recalled. “I didn’t foresee that happening… I was tearing up pretty good. I had a lot of [teammates] supporting me, and that will be something I’ll remember for my entire life.”

Shaw was scratched from the Cubs’ lineup that night against the Atlanta Braves after hearing the news.

Kirk, a native of Arlington Heights, Illinois, was well known for his devotion to the Cubs. “He was one of the biggest Cubs fans I ever met,” Shaw said. Kirk’s widow, Erika, personally invited Shaw to attend the memorial. After discussing it with Counsell and his teammates, Shaw felt confident that his decision to go was understood and respected.

For Shaw, the bond he shared with Kirk went far deeper than baseball.

“The reason Charlie and I connected so closely was because of our faith,” Shaw explained. “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. 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 organization joined others across Major League Baseball in paying tribute to Kirk. The team called for an end to “all political violence,” and the flag at Wrigley Field was flown at half-staff in line with MLB’s request to honor President Donald Trump’s proclamation after Kirk’s death.

While Shaw’s decision to miss a game could have drawn criticism, his focus remains firmly on his faith and the people God puts in his life. For him, honoring his friend’s life was more important than facing a few extra pitches.