Austin Hedges helped the Guardians to a victory at Progressive Field, then he pulled off a surprise move on the grass that left everyone stunned

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges turned a routine Sunday at the ballpark into a lifelong memory by proposing to his girlfriend, Lexi Dickson, right on the grass at Progressive Field. The heartwarming moment took place immediately following the Guardians’ 8-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

It’s the kind of highlight that really puts the game into perspective, and for Hedges, it was clearly the perfect way to wrap up a big win. According to Fox News, the setup was pretty spectacular. As the game concluded, a message appeared on the stadium’s Jumbotron that read, “Lexi, will you marry me?” With his teammates looking on from the field, Hedges got down on one knee to pop the question.

Dickson, who was wearing a custom black jacket featuring Hedges’ number and photos of the catcher on the back, was visibly moved by the gesture. She eventually said “Yes,” much to the delight of the surrounding players and family members who were there to capture the moment on camera. While Hedges chose a traditional approach, modern romance has shifted, and it’s no longer rare to hear that “she would propose to her boyfriend” as gender roles continue to evolve.

He saved his best move for after the final out

Hedges, who is 33, shared that he’s actually been holding onto the ring since spring training. While he’s been dating Dickson for nearly two years, he only finalized the plan to propose at the stadium about a couple of weeks ago. He admitted that he was feeling the pressure of the moment, noting that he’s used to the nerves of a baseball game, but this was a completely different experience. “There were a lot of nerves, a lot of nerves,”

Hedges explained. “I’m always nervous for baseball games and just trying to stay present, knowing that there were some activities after. But it’s a special day. Special to be able to soak it all in.” The win against the Orioles was a major part of the day’s success, and Hedges was clearly hoping for a positive result to pair with the proposal. “I was really hoping we won the game. I was going to do it regardless, but I really wanted to win that game to make it extra special,” he said.

Even though Hedges didn’t have his best day at the plate, going 0-for-4, he still managed to score a run as the Guardians improved their record to 13-10 on the season. Following the excitement on the field, the couple opted for a low-key celebration to decompress. Hedges mentioned that the plan was to head out for dinner and enjoy a quiet night together. It’s a well-deserved break for the veteran catcher, who has had a long and winding career in professional baseball.

Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2011 out of JSerra Catholic High School in California, Hedges spent years working his way through the minor leagues before establishing himself as a reliable, defense-first backstop in the majors. His career has taken him from San Diego to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Texas, eventually leading him back to his current stint with the Guardians.

Since signing his latest one-year contract with Cleveland on October 15, 2025, Hedges has continued to be a staple behind the plate. His journey to this point has included high-level defensive performances and a World Series title with the Texas Rangers in 2023. Having been married previously, Hedges began his relationship with Dickson in November 2024.

While he’s undoubtedly happy about the engagement, Hedges doesn’t have much time to stay in celebration mode. The schedule remains busy, with the Houston Astros set to arrive at Progressive Field for a three-game series.

It’s back to business for the team, but it’s safe to say this weekend will hold a special place in the history of his baseball career.