A major league baseball player had an unexpected guest land on his shoulder during the national anthem at the Minnesota Twins’ home opener on Thursday.
During the pregame ceremony, instead of flying across a field to a handler, a bald eagle swooped to Seattle Mariners’ pitcher James Paxton, who was standing in the outfield, and attempted to land on his shoulder.
Though Paxton initially ducked, he kept his composure as the bird struggled to gain a foothold on his shoulder and back.
After a few moments, the eagle jumped off Paxton and landed on the field where a handler picked it up.