Austin Hedges Proposes to Lexi Dickinson After Guardians' Victory

Austin Hedges, the 33-year-old catcher for the Cleveland Guardians, proposed to his girlfriend, Lexi Dickinson, on the field following the team's 8-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The proposal took place at Progressive Field, where a message reading "Lexi, will you marry me?" flashed on the Jumbotron, prompting Hedges to get down on one knee in front of teammates and fans. Dickinson accepted the proposal, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

The Sun - US

Hedges revealed that he had been carrying the engagement ring since early spring training but only finalized the proposal plan a few weeks prior to the game. "I was really hoping we won the game," Hedges stated, emphasizing that while he would have proposed regardless of the outcome, the victory added a special touch to the moment.

Hedges and Dickinson have been together since November 2024. The couple celebrated their engagement with family and friends present at the stadium, and Dickinson wore a custom jacket featuring Hedges' number and photos during the proposal. After the emotional event, the couple planned a low-key dinner to enjoy their first night as an engaged couple.

Despite his personal milestone, Hedges had a challenging day at the plate, finishing 0-for-4, although he did score the game's first run. He has spent six of his 12 major league seasons with the Guardians and was a member of the Texas Rangers team that won the 2023 World Series. Hedges is known for his defensive skills and has been a key player for Cleveland, contributing to their recent success.

In post-game interviews, Hedges expressed the nerves he felt leading up to the proposal, stating, "There were a lot of nerves... I’m always nervous for baseball games, and just trying to stay present." He described the day as special and emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment. Hedges also noted the pressure of balancing the competitive nature of the game with the personal significance of the proposal.

While the proposal was met with enthusiasm from fans and teammates, some critics pointed out that the focus on personal milestones during professional games can detract from the sport itself. However, the overwhelming sentiment from the Guardians' community was one of support and celebration for Hedges and Dickinson.

Following the engagement, Hedges and the Guardians are set to face the Houston Astros in a three-game series, starting the evening after the proposal. The couple's engagement marks a new chapter in their relationship, coinciding with Hedges' ongoing career in Major League Baseball.