James Paxton's World Baseball Classic blunder spoiled Mariners fans' nostalgia

May 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Former MLB pitcher James Paxton throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesThere are worse things than meeting your heroes. There is, for example, watching a former Seattle Mariners hero literally throw away a comeback story in the World Baseball Classic, as James Paxton did on Sunday.

It was, to be sure, undeniably cool when Paxton came on to pitch for Team Canada in the top of the sixth. He was entrusted with a 2-1 lead over Team Panama, making it a big moment for a 37-year-old who last pitched in…