Hedlund was born in Dallas, Texas, and signed as an amateur free agent with the Cleveland Indians upon graduation from Arlington High School in 1964. He was just eighteen years old when he made his major league debut on May 8, 1965 against the Boston Red Sox. He appeared in just six games, and pitched a total of 5.1 innings before returning to the minors.\n', '

He returned to the majors in 1968 as a September call up, and appeared in three games. After the season, he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 1968 Major League Baseball expansion draft.\n', '

Hedlund went 3–6 with a 3.24 earned run average during the Royals\' inaugural season. Used as both a starter and relief pitcher, he was far more effective out of the bullpen, posting a 1.69 ERA and earning two saves. His finest start came on September 18 when he held the Oakland Athletics to just one run, and struck out eight to earn the complete game victory.\n', '

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