The Chicago White Sox are set to conclude their series against the Cubs at Rate Field with an eagerly anticipated matchup between pitcher Sean Burke and third baseman Matt Shaw. Both players share a significant past as teammates at the University of Maryland, making this game a personal and professional milestone. The Matt Shaw Chicago Series Showdown highlights their intertwined stories and the impact of their college careers on their current roles in Major League Baseball.
Sean Burke’s Early Promise and Development
Sean Burke burst onto the college baseball scene during his redshirt freshman season in 2020, quickly establishing himself as a top pitcher with an impressive 1.99 ERA and a .183 batting average against. Leading NCAA Division I freshmen in strikeouts that year, Burke earned recognition as the 2021 preseason Big Ten pitcher of the year, signaling his rising potential in the sport. Despite these achievements, Burke faces the realities of the game, recalling a memorable at-bat against Shaw that tested him early in his career.
“That was actually really impressive for a freshman to do that,”
Burke said, recalling Shaw’s ability to connect for a double off one of his fastest pitches.
“Little moments like that just showed the flashes of what he could be and what he’s kind of turned into right now.”
—Sean Burke, White Sox Pitcher
Matt Shaw’s Rapid Rise to Stardom
By 2023, Matt Shaw had transformed into one of college baseball’s premier hitters. His standout season at Maryland earned him the Big Ten Player of the Year honor with a 1.142 OPS, capturing the attention of MLB scouts nationwide. Shaw was subsequently selected 13th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, a few slots ahead of former Maryland teammate Jacob Gonzalez, who has since advanced to Triple-A. Shaw’s ascent reflects a hard-earned reputation built on consistent performance and power at the plate.
Reflecting on Burke’s abilities during their college years, Shaw remarked,
“I think we all knew he could be a big league pitcher. It was like, ‘Alright, this guy’s gonna be really good.’”
He praised Burke’s pitching arsenal, emphasizing his 97 mph fastball, along with his curveball and slider that distinguished him even among talented college pitchers.
A Meaningful Reunion on the Mound and at the Plate
This matchup marks the first time Burke and Shaw will face one another since their collegiate days. Burke has completed 101 innings this season with a 4.19 ERA and has been performing strongly, limiting opponents to two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six starts. Shaw has made a splash in his rookie campaign, batting an impressive .458 since the All-Star break and delivering four home runs and nine RBIs.
Shaw described their recent interaction before the game:
“We just were out there talking for a little bit. It was really nice to see him,”
adding,
“He’s been crushing it. It’s good to follow along, and I’m super excited for when we face him.”
—Matt Shaw, Cubs Third Baseman
The Intersection of Friendship and Competition in Chicago’s Crosstown Series
The upcoming showdown between Shaw and Burke goes beyond the standard rivalry of the White Sox and Cubs, symbolizing the continuation of their shared journey from college teammates to professional contenders. Their connection adds a deeper layer to this Crosstown Series finale, offering fans a compelling narrative of friendship, growth, and ambition within the highly competitive backdrop of Major League Baseball.
As the game unfolds at Rate Field, both players embody the hopes of their teams and the realization of long-held dreams, demonstrating how collegiate roots can foster lasting bonds that enrich the spirit of competition at the highest level.