Matt Shaw wasn’t in the lineup Sunday as the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Cincinnati Reds — and it wasn’t for an injury, rest day, or roster shuffle.

It was something much deeper.

The 23-year-old infielder was in Arizona, attending the memorial service for Charlie Kirk — the conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder who was assassinated earlier this month. While the Cubs didn’t officially confirm Shaw’s attendance, manager Craig Counsell told reporters simply, “Matt Shaw was unavailable today. He attended the funeral of a friend.”

BREAKING: Matt Shaw leaves Chicago Cubs mid-playoff race to attend Charlie Kirk memorial service – “He believed in me when the world doubted”
Full story pic.twitter.com/xuORHZkG5N

— Cubbie Corner (@LaMorris1026) September 22, 2025

That friend? A man whose death has sent shockwaves far beyond politics.

More than 90,000 people filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to honor Charlie Kirk. The event drew not only major conservative leaders and political figures — including President Donald Trump — but also celebrities, athletes, and thousands of everyday Americans who came to pay their respects.

The atmosphere was emotional, and for many, unforgettable.

Photos of Shaw and Kirk standing together at Wrigley Field alongside teammate Michael Busch were posted just last month. According to The Athletic, Shaw had also been scratched from the Cubs lineup on September 10 — the day Kirk was killed on the campus of Utah Valley University — for what were called “personal reasons.” He did later appear in the game as a pinch hitter.

This young man, Cubs Rookie Matt Shaw on the left, has sacrificed many millions of dollars to do the right thing and attend his friend Charley Kirk’s memorial service. Hopefully, some Patriot-Run companies will give him some endorsement opportunities. pic.twitter.com/If9kwnXu9m

— DEATH (@RoundWorldDeath) September 22, 2025

Now, it’s clear just how personal those reasons may have been.

Kirk’s death has led to tributes across Major League Baseball. At Wrigley Field, a pre-game message was read aloud, calling for an end to “all political violence.” The statement urged unity and asked Americans to come together to “strengthen our nation” and return to civil discourse.

The flag flew at half-staff in accordance with a proclamation from President Trump, and the New York Yankees also held a moment of tribute at Yankee Stadium.

This wasn’t a typical baseball weekend.

For a sport that often steers clear of political statements, the reaction to Kirk’s assassination has been anything but quiet. Teams, players, and fans across the country have taken a moment to recognize not just the tragedy, but the broader feeling many are sharing: something is broken, and it’s costing lives.

The Cubs fell to the Reds 1-0 in Sunday’s game, but with a playoff spot already locked in, the bigger story was unfolding off the field.

Matt Shaw wasn’t just missing a game. He was honoring a life.

And through his quiet absence, he may have said more than a press release ever could.