Bald eagle declares independence, soars to freedom from Dodger Stadium

Bob Hille

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Bald eagle declares independence, soars to freedom from Dodger Stadium image

No, folks, that majestic bald eagle soaring past the center-field fence was not part of the Dodger Stadium Fourth of July festivities.

He just valued his liberty — at least temporarily.

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The plan called for the trained male eagle to fly from the top of the stadium to his handler on the field.

Instead, the symbol of freedom and liberty — one of a pair at the Los Angeles Zoo — flew right on by the handler on the outfield grass and disappeared over the center-field fence.

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Cue the nervous laughter from the crowd.

According to The Associated Press, a few innings into the Dodgers' game against the Orioles, it was announced that the eagle had been located and was headed back to the zoo with its handler.

Bob Hille

Bob Hille Photo

Bob Hille, a senior content consultant for The Sporting News, has been part of the TSN team for most of the past 30 years, including as managing editor and executive editor. He is a native of Texas (forever), adopted son of Colorado, where he graduated from Colorado State, and longtime fan of “Bull Durham” (h/t Annie Savoy for The Sporting News mention).