Seattle Mariners James Paxton encounters another eagle
No matter where he is, Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton cannot escape the watchful eye of the bald eagle.
Back on April 5, Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton received an unusual visitor. While waiting for the pregame festivities to be over before facing off against the Minnesota Twins, a bald eagle decided that Paxton would make a great landing spot. The eagle came to a rest on his left shoulder, likely startling the Mariners pitcher in the process.
With the offseason underway for the Mariners, Paxton likely thought he was safe from the watchful eye of an eagle. Well, that was not the case, as yet another eagle was keeping an eye on the Mariners pitcher; this time, while he was fishing on Sunday.
Went fishing today and a bald eagle started circling above our boat 🙄. Took me a while to trust that it wasn’t coming for me. #challengerptsd
— James Paxton (@James_Paxton) October 8, 2018
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To be fair, the eagle was a sign of good luck for Paxton this season. He posted a solid 11-6 record with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.098 WHiP, striking out a career best 208 batters in 160.1 innings, issuing only 42 walks. He recorded his first two complete games, and threw a no hitter on May 8. After a couple of strong years previously, Paxton took another step towards becoming the next Mariners ace, taking the mantle from Felix Hernandez.
Likewise, the idea that an eagle is circling his boat while fishing is a good sign. This should mean that the fish were abundant, leading to a good day on the water. Paxton may well have had a fresh fish dinner that night, if the presence of the eagle was any indication.
Nonetheless, one could understand if Paxton was a bit unnerved by the presence of the eagle. After he had been used as a landing pad once before, he very well may have had flashbacks. And, if he was trying to reel in one of those fish, how would that the eagle would not attempt to take it for itself?
Mariners Mount Rushmore. dark. Next
Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton had another encounter with an eagle on Sunday. This time, he was not used as a landing strip.