PHOENIX (25News Now) - Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw said he and his wife have received hateful messages practically every day from people opposed to his views, but he's learned to love and pray for them.
Shaw was one of several speakers at this weekend's Turning Point USA America Fest 2025 event in Phoenix. Turning Point USA is the organization founded by conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September.
Shaw, who's 24, left the Cubs briefly late in the season to attend a memorial service for Kirk, who was a friend.
At America Fest, Shaw said his relationship with Kirk was based on their faith in Jesus. Shaw stayed away from politics during his speech, focusing instead on his faith and how to relate to people with opposing views.
"Even when people say terrible things about me, or terrible things about Charlie, or terrible things about anybody, you just show them grace and love because in their heart, yes, they're angry, but you want to get them to a point where they too see the peace and the love they can have with God and Jesus," said Shaw.
He was on a speakers' list that included Vice President JD Vance, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Kirk's widow Erika, Donald Trump Jr., Glenn Beck, race car driver Danica Patrick, and Tom Homan, who is the Trump administration's "border czar."
Shaw was on stage for about 20 minutes, and he answered some questions from the audience. To see Shaw's speech, click here.