Cubs' 3rd baseman Matt Shaw explains why he attended Charlie Kirk's funeral, missing series finale against Reds
The Chicago Cubs' rookie third baseman, Matt Shaw, on Tuesday shared why he missed Sunday's series finale against the Cincinnati Reds to attend the funeral of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona.
The 23-year-old Shaw explained his friendship with Kirk and the devastating impact of his murder earlier this month.
"Charlie, you know, was someone that I met at the apartments in Arizona, where I lived, and then someone who was one of the biggest Cubs fans I've ever met. And he texted me after every game, you know, great win for the Cubbies. He was super, super supportive of us, and obviously, someone who was really faithful, so we connected on that front.
Kirk, who was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed as he spoke at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Shaw said he made sure that everyone he talked to knew why he was going and that it was important to his faith.
"Whatever backlash comes is okay, you know, I feel strong about my faith," he said.
Shaw was personally invited by Kirk's widow, Erika, to attend this past Sunday's service.