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Why Cleveland Indians catcher Austin Hedges feels blessed to be in Cleveland: 'Beyond the Dugout' interview

We sat down with Cleveland Indians catcher Austin Hedges for 'Beyond the Dugout' in which he reveals what is weird about him.

CLEVELAND — Beyond the Dugout is back again this week virtually on Zoom. For years, 3News' morning anchor Dave Chudowsky has been interviewing Indians players, coaches and staff during Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona. The segments air weekly on GO! in the morning on channel 3 and here on WKYC.com.

Due to the pandemic, Chudowsky did not travel to Arizona this year -- but that is not stopping him from asking the tough questions you want answered. Well, not really! The questions are fun and help fans get to know their favorite players better.

For the first time this year, we have a position player on the hot seat as catcher Austin Hedges fielded Chudowsky’s questions. Speaking of the field, the back-up catcher is considered a defensive specialist. In only his second season with the Indians, he’s been thrown into the starting role with Roberto Perez out with a hand injury. Not known for his offense, Hedges has delivered some big hits for the Tribe, including a two-run home run in an Indians win over the White Sox last week. Hedges was acquired by Cleveland in a big nine-player trade with the San Diego Padres in August of 2020. The 28 year old only played in six games last season after joining the Tribe. 

Growing up in Southern California, being drafted by his hometown team in 2011 by the Padres almost seemed to good to be true for Hedges, but the trade to Cleveland was a blessing in disguise. 

"It's an organization that really appreciates my skill set and what I can bring, and I couldn't be happier to be here in Cleveland," he said.

Chudowsky thought it was a lay-up to ask a guy from California whether he would rather take a beach or ski vacation?

"Believe it or not, I'm not a huge beach guy. I wouldn’t mind a nice ski vacation," Hedges said.

As for his favorite food?

"I love me some ice cream. You give me some ice cream -- some chocolate -- I can't say no."

When Chudowsky asked him about his Monday motivation, Hedges replied: "I just try to give the day up to God and just know that it's all in his hands. I just try and go out and be a good dude to everybody every day."

You will have to watch the attached video to find out what he is terrified of and again, you might be surprised!

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