Guardians Catcher Proposes After Win in Cleveland

Sometimes the best victories happen after the final out.

Austin Hedges, a 33-year-old catcher for the Cleveland Guardians, proposed to his girlfriend Lexi Dickinson on the field Sunday after his team defeated the Baltimore Orioles. She said yes as teammates gathered at a respectful distance to witness the special moment.

"I've had the ring since early spring training but was just trying to figure out when the right time was," Hedges said. "I was going to do it regardless, but I really wanted to win that game to make it extra special."

The proposal was extra meaningful for the veteran player in his 12th major league season. He had scored the game's first run and helped lead his team to victory. Cleveland is now 8-0 when Hedges starts behind the plate this season.

Hedges and Dickinson began dating in November 2024. The couple had been together for about 18 months when he decided to pop the question on the diamond where he spends so much of his time.

Sunny's Take

What makes this moment shine is how Hedges' teammates showed up for him. Many players stayed after the game to support their friend, standing at a distance to give the couple privacy while still being present. That kind of clubhouse culture speaks volumes about the respect Hedges has earned during his six seasons with Cleveland.

The catcher admitted he was "always nervous for baseball games" but knowing what was coming after made it even harder to stay focused. Still, he managed to help his team win, making the proposal even sweeter.

After Dickinson accepted, Hedges took a quick shower and changed into a maroon suit while his new fiancée received congratulations from friends and other Guardians spouses on the field. The couple then headed to dinner to celebrate their engagement privately.

For a player who won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and reached 10 years of major league service time last month, this personal victory might just top them all.