By Madison Shaw
Originally published in the Left Hand Valley Courier on June 25, 2025.
The Shaw twins walked one after the other at the May 24 Niwot High School graduation. (Photo Courtesy of Charlie Shaw)
It is hard to picture Charlie without Haden, and vice versa. The Shaw twins have been fixtures in the Niwot baseball program for the last four years, starting side-by-side since their freshman season. Whether it is tracking down fly balls or gunning down runners from third, the Shaws have built their high school careers together.
And now, they are taking the next step together, too.
This fall, Charlie and Haden will head to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, to continue their baseball journeys. The fit made sense. It is close to home, with a program that believed in both of them.
Outside of one season of seventh-grade middle school basketball, when Charlie landed on the B team and Haden was on C, the twins have always played on the same team. From youth baseball to their final season as Cougars, they have shared dugouts and the drive to improve together.
They also suited up for the Niwot football team. Charlie during his sophomore and junior years, and Haden through his senior year.
Charlie, a center fielder, takes pride in his ability to cover ground in the outfield and swing with "gap-to-gap power." Haden, who splits time between catcher and third base, values the quick decision-making required at both positions and describes himself as an "all-field hitter." Across their four years at Niwot, both consistently produced at the plate and made their presence felt on defense.
Charlie finished his high school career with a .351 batting average, a .469 on-base percentage, 67 RBIs, 5 home runs, and 26 stolen bases. Haden hit .443 with a .562 on-base percentage, 59 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. Their numbers are a reflection of years of work and a shared love for the game that started at age nine.
"We both just enjoyed the game," Charlie said.
"It was fun," Haden added.
By freshman year, they knew they wanted to keep playing beyond high school. Northeastern Junior College became the right opportunity at the right time. "It's close to home, and it's a good opportunity for us," Charlie said. "Everything just kind of worked out."
Now, they are each hoping to make an impact from the start. Charlie's goal is to get on the field and earn a starting spot. Haden put his goal simply: "Make the starting nine."
For Charlie, one of the most memorable moments from his time as a Cougar came in a tight junior-year doubleheader. "I hit a triple against Riverdale Ridge in the second game, and that gave us the lead." For Haden, it was about the camaraderie. "Hanging out with the team," he said.
Their path through high school baseball was not without adversity. Both brothers battled through injuries that tested their toughness and commitment. Haden broke his thumb in the first game of the spring, but kept playing through the pain for nearly the entire season. He finally got it X-rayed two weeks before the year ended and finished the season as a designated hitter.
Charlie, meanwhile, dealt with a couple of persistent injuries over the years, but stayed steady in his desire to be on the field.
Their biggest supporters have always been close to home. "Just my parents," Haden said.
"My family," Charlie echoed. He also credited the older players from his freshman season, especially Jack Brooker and Nick Yard, as role models who helped shape his early years in the program.
Like most twins, the Shaws are competitive. When asked who hits for more power, Charlie did not hesitate. " I do."
"I have more extra-base hits," Haden shot back.
On the question of who is faster, they answered at the same time, "I am," before Charlie issued a challenge: "Let's go race right now."
They have been competitive, supportive, and everything in between. Through injuries, slumps, and big moments, they have kept baseball fun, which is exactly what they hope younger athletes will do.
"Just enjoy it," Charlie said.
"Have fun," Haden said. "Just have fun for as long as you can. Keep the sport you play a game."
"Yep," Charlie agreed.
That mindset has carried them through almost a decade, and now, it is taking them to the next stage, together.
