Bald eagle landing on James Paxton during national anthem is peak America

It’s the most American thing you’ve ever seen: a bald eagle landing on a pitcher…during the national anthem.

The stars and stripes have never waved so majestically. Indeed, the most American moment in history happened Thursday afternoon when a bald eagle landed on Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton.

As the national anthem was playing, the bird flew in and initially landed on the ground by Paxton. But then something truly splendid happened. The eagle, for a brief moment, left the ground and placed itself upon Paxton’s shoulder. Those two glorious seconds would have been enough to reduce the founding fathers to tears of joy.

Jen Mueller of Root Sports tweeted about the event, leaving fans anxious to see a video:

And she didn’t disappoint:

The most impressive aspect of this ordeal is how nonchalant Paxton acted. Bald eagle talons are sharp, but the pitcher didn’t seem scared or nervous. And fortunately, it seems he avoided any potential danger. Paxton’s nickname is “The Big Maple,” so perhaps the eagle knew it was landing on a human tree?

The Mariners were set to play the Minnesota Twins. Was this a plot by the Twins to petrify the opposing pitcher before the game? Probably not, but I’m not ready to completely rule out that possibility.

Paxton was born in Canada, but as you may or may not know, if you come into physical contact with a bald eagle, you instantly become an American. I don’t make the rules, I just write about them.

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July 4, 1776: The adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Sept. 17, 1787: The creation of the Constitution of the United States of America. April 5, 2018: The day a bald eagle landed on James Paxton’s shoulder.