WASHINGTON — You could say that Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton is, well, “unflappable.”
At Minnesota’s home opener Thursday, the pregame festivities included a ceremonial eagle flight. It started well enough; the eagle took off majestically from its handler’s arm and then sort of circled Paxton in the outfield. Then the eagle went for the pitcher, grasping for his shoulder and flapping around his head.
Paxton ducked but appeared unfazed, and another handler ran over to regain control of the eagle.
Who could blame the eagle, anyway? After all, Paxton is nicknamed the “Big Maple.”
The Twins ended up beating the Mariners 4-2.
Oh, just an landing in a Big .@James_Paxton, totally fearless. pic.twitter.com/8xHYBTwNhC
— Mariners (@Mariners) April 5, 2018
