Los Angeles – In the wake of the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University a week ago, an emotional moment took place at Dodger Stadium. Max Muncy, who returned from a hand injury after being activated from the injured list on September 8, brought fans and teammates to tears with his tribute to Kirk, a brother in faith and father of two young children.
This afternoon, during practice before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Muncy unexpectedly stepped onto the mound with a small but clear inscription on his right glove: “CK + Faith.” It was not only a personal tribute to Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed on September 10, but also a commitment to the family values they shared. Muncy, who has been through a difficult journey with a right hand injury (which re-injured on September 13 but has since recovered), used the moment to turn his pain into inspiration.
“Charlie was a father, a man of faith,” Muncy said after practice, his voice breaking. “I think about his two kids, and that motivates me to get up every day, even when my hands are sore.” The gesture was not only a gesture of respect, but also a spiritual connection to teammates like Clayton Kershaw — who wrote a Bible verse on his cap during Pride Night 2025 — and Blake Treinen, who opened the tribute with a hat engraved with Kirk’s name.
Fans on X quickly circulated the image of Muncy’s glove, with one person writing: “Max Muncy just turned pain into hope. This is our Dodgers!” The gesture comes as the team struggles with the September “injury curse” — from Will Smith (IL with a hand injury) to Dalton Rushing (knee). With an 84-65 record and playoff pressure mounting, unity through faith could be key to the Dodgers defending their World Series crown.
Coach Dave Roberts called it “a moment of unity.” “Max didn’t just play for himself,” he said, “but for the team and the values we believe in.” Kershaw, who is rehabbing a shoulder injury, nodded in agreement, saying he might participate in the tribute against the Phillies tonight (6:10 PM PT). It could be the start of a wave of action from stars like Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman, who have emphasized “team-first” in film sessions.
Kirk, who played golf with Trump before his death, left behind a legacy of love and forgiveness — values Muncy hopes to spread. This small gesture on the mound is not just a prayer, but also a reminder of the power of community. Dodgers fans now look forward not only to a victory, but also to the next moment when the players turn the field into a place of faith and hope.
What do you think of Muncy’s gesture? Please share to spread this message!
Leave a Reply