MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The pageantry and patriotism accompanying the buildup to the Minnesota Twins’ home opener forced a pause for James Paxton in his warmup routine, leaving the Seattle starting pitcher standing alone in left field while a giant flag was unfurled nearby.

The bald eagle brought in for a ceremonial flight over the field was the final piece of the pregame pomp, prior to the playing of the national anthem.

Well, the big bird didn’t want to visit the mound, perhaps wary of Major League Baseball’s new rule limiting such trips to keep the pace of play. Instead, it picked out another target at Target Field. READ MORE>