Cleveland Guardians star Austin Hedges marked a memorable Sunday by securing a victory and then securing his future, proposing to his partner on the field after the game. The 33-year-old catcher, a World Series winner, helped his team to an 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field before popping the question to his girlfriend, Lexi Dickinson.
A Romantic Gesture Amidst the Game
As the Guardians celebrated their triumph, a special message flashed on the stadium jumbotron: 'Lexi will you marry me?' Hedges then got down on one knee, presenting the ring to Dickinson, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, who joyfully said yes. The emotional moment was witnessed by many teammates, sparking heartfelt celebrations right there on the diamond.
Planning the Perfect Proposal
Hedges revealed that he had been holding onto the engagement ring since early spring training, patiently waiting for the right moment. 'I was just trying to figure out when the right time was,' he admitted. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that he finalized his plan to propose on the field, regardless of the game's outcome. 'I was going to do it regardless... but I really wanted to win that game to make it extra special,' Hedges explained, adding that there were 'a lot of nerves' leading up to what he described as a 'special day.'
Post-Game Celebrations and Reactions
After the proposal, Dickinson remained on the field, receiving congratulations from friends and partners of other Guardians players. Meanwhile, Hedges took a quick shower and changed into a stylish maroon suit for their evening plans. 'Now, we’re going to go to dinner and then just have a night to ourselves and enjoy it,' said the catcher, who is in his 12th major league season.
However, the reveal on social media sparked mixed reactions. Some fans criticized the gesture, with comments like 'Take a shower' and 'Who proposes to their girlfriend when they're at work??' Others questioned the effort, with one user remarking, 'Dude is worth a few million and that’s how he does it?' Despite this, Hedges remained focused on the positivity of the moment, calling it a day to 'soak it all in.'
The couple, who began dating in November 2024, now looks forward to their future together, with this unforgettable proposal adding a personal highlight to the baseball season.
