[protected-iframe id=”b318e758f98fe3cd4f9e3997cb2b2aeb-22577676-53282995″ info=”//www.instagram.com/embed.js” class=”instagram-media” width=”600″ height=”800″]
Mariners fans had themselves a mini-heart attack before today’s game against the Twins as their ace, James Paxton, was pestered by a Bald eagle during pregame festivities. Baseball Twitter is acting like this is all fun and dandy, but the Mariners have the worst luck when it comes to injuries — and Big Maple isn’t exactly a symbol of health despite his monster 6’4″ frame.
BALD EAGLE ATTACK 😂
Outstanding reaction from the @Mariners' James Paxton, though. Just stay calm. (via @fsnorth) pic.twitter.com/pWer9G1L5L
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) April 5, 2018
Of course, the non-Mariner angle here is the national bird of the United States gave a Canadian the business on a baseball field. It really doesn’t get any more American than that, though Paxton did handle himself well.
The eagle went haywire and landed on James Paxton’s shoulder! Handler had to rush out to retrieve it! pic.twitter.com/titGbHEtgz
— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) April 5, 2018
Fortunately for the Ms, the unlikely bird encounter hasn’t fazed Paxton one bit. He has allowed no runs and struck out five through three innings of work thus far.