Guardians Catcher Austin Hedges Proposes to Girlfriend After Win

Hedges popped the question on the field at Progressive Field following an 8-4 victory over the Orioles.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:37am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the emotional energy of a baseball player proposing to his girlfriend on the field, with their figures dissolving into bold brushstrokes and splashes of color.The electric energy of a baseball player's heartfelt proposal on the field captures the joy and excitement of a special moment shared with teammates and fans.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Lexi Dickson, on the field at Progressive Field on Sunday after the team's 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Hedges had the ring since spring training and decided to ask Dickson to marry him, with a message flashed on the stadium's video board as his teammates looked on. Dickson said yes, and the couple celebrated the engagement on the field as the crowd cheered.

Why it matters

Hedges' public proposal at the ballpark is a heartwarming moment that showcases the personal lives of professional athletes. Fans often only see players on the field, so these types of intimate off-the-field events help humanize the players and connect them to the community.

The details

Hedges, who has been dating Dickson since November 2024, told reporters that he had the ring since spring training and had figured out his plan just a couple weeks ago. The Progressive Field jumbotron displayed 'Lexi will you marry me?' to kick off the celebratory moment, and Hedges then got down on one knee. Hedges said he was nervous but wanted to make the moment extra special by winning the game first.

  • The proposal took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after the Guardians' 8-4 win over the Orioles.
  • Hedges and Dickson have been dating since November 2024.

The players

Austin Hedges

A 33-year-old catcher for the Cleveland Guardians who won the World Series with the team. He proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Lexi Dickson, on the field after a game.

Lexi Dickson

Hedges' girlfriend since November 2024 who accepted his marriage proposal on the field at Progressive Field.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Austin Hedges, Guardians Catcher

“There were a lot of nerves, a lot of nerves. 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.”

— Austin Hedges, Guardians Catcher

What’s next

The Guardians will host the Astros for a three-game series starting on Monday, so Hedges won't have much time to celebrate his engagement before getting back on the field.

The takeaway

Hedges' public proposal at the ballpark is a heartwarming moment that showcases the personal lives of professional athletes and helps connect them to the community. It's a special event that the couple and fans will remember for years to come.