Chicago Cubs Player Matt Shaw Chooses Faith Over Baseball, Attends Charlie Kirk Memorial With Nearly 100,000 in Attendance
Chicago Cubs player Matt Shaw made headlines this week for a decision that had nothing to do with baseball, but everything to do with his faith and his convictions. Instead of suiting up for a game, Shaw chose to step away from the field and attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder whose sudden passing has shaken the conservative movement and drawn widespread media coverage. For Shaw, it was not a difficult decision. He explained that his connection with Kirk was rooted in shared faith, and honoring that faith meant being present at the service, no matter the personal or professional cost.
The memorial, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, became one of the largest gatherings of its kind in recent history. Nearly 100,000 people came together to pay their respects, blending politics, faith, and culture into a moment that reflected Kirk’s impact on his supporters. The event was not just a farewell but a rallying cry, complete with Christian rock performances and powerful tributes from figures who saw Kirk as both a political leader and a man of deep conviction. For many, including Shaw, it was about more than just politics. It was about a community bound together by shared values of faith, freedom, and belief in something greater than themselves.
Shaw admitted that he knew skipping a game could draw criticism, but he said he had no regrets. “My faith is who I am,” he explained, making it clear that his decision was about living out his values, not simply talking about them. For an athlete in the spotlight, the choice to prioritize faith over sport is not always easy, especially in a professional world where players are often expected to put the team above everything else. Yet Shaw’s move resonated with many who admired his willingness to live authentically and take a stand.
The sheer scale of the service also spoke volumes about Charlie Kirk’s influence. What was originally expected to be a large event became an overwhelming show of support, with tens of thousands of people flooding into the stadium and surrounding areas. The mix of prayer, music, and speeches gave the gathering the feel of both a religious revival and a political convention. It was proof that Kirk’s message had struck a chord with a generation searching for direction and community.
For Shaw, being there meant being part of something larger than himself. While baseball will continue and games will go on, he understood that there are moments in life where personal conviction has to come first. His decision will likely be debated among fans, but to him, the importance of honoring Kirk and standing firm in his beliefs outweighed any backlash.
In the end, Shaw’s choice highlighted the growing intersection of faith, sports, and politics in America. Athletes are no longer just players on the field; they are individuals with platforms who face decisions that reflect not only their careers but also their values. For Matt Shaw, attending Charlie Kirk’s memorial was about honoring his faith and the man who inspired so many through it. And in that moment, faith came before baseball.
