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Mariners honor Paxton with bald eagle bobbleheads on Canada Day

By Alex Butler

May 21 (UPI) -- James "Big Maple" Paxton is getting a bald eagle bobblehead night from the Seattle Mariners ... on Canada Day.

The left-handed hurler will be commemorated during a July 1 matchup against the Kansas City Royals. The honor immortalizes Paxton's April 5 meeting with the bird before a game against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis. Paxton was standing out in left field during the national anthem at Target Field. The bird swooped around the stadium before landing on Paxton's right shoulder.

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The first 20,000 fans will receive the keepsake before the game against the Royals at Safeco Field in Seattle. Paxton's bobblehead features the pitcher standing calmly and smiling, while the eagle sits on his shoulder.

"The eagle has landed ... on Big Maple," the Mariners said in a release. "Thanks to Root Sports, the first 20,000 fans pick up a bobblehead featuring James and his feathered friend."

Paxton, 29, owns a 3-1 record and a 3.30 ERA in 10 starts this season. The Ladner, Canada native allowed four hits and two runs in five innings during the April 5 start. Seattle lost that game 4-2. Paxton allowed three hits and two runs, while throwing eight strikeouts in a complete game victory against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday at Safeco Field.

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He also threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 8 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

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