Watch: Bald Eagle Tries To Snatch Mariners' Pitcher James Paxton

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - A bald eagle apparently mistook Mariners pitcher James "Big Maple" Paxton for a real tree during a ceremony at the Twins' home opener Thursday afternoon. The eagle flew at Paxton during the national anthem and tried to land on his shoulder.

Paxton took the incident pretty well. Initially startled, he eventually just stood straight up and let the eagle do its thing. The eagle's handler finally trotted out to Paxton to take care of the situation.

Ironically, Paxton, who is Canadian, has appeared in a Mariners commercial where he pulls his hat off to reveal a nest of bird eggs.

Image via YouTube