Sean Doolittle successfully proposes to girlfriend; Smash Mouth involved?

Oakland Athletics pitcher Sean Doolittle first developed a rapport with American rock band Smash Mouth in October, when the group found itself in an unlikely Twitter feud with his team during the World Series.

More than three months later, the relationship between Doolittle and Northern California-based Smash Mouth might have played a role in the left-handed reliever's proposal to girlfriend Eireann Dolan -- a successful occasion that he celebrated by posting a photo of the couple in gnome form on Thursday afternoon.

Dolan had apparently also come to know Smash Mouth via the social media platform. On Thursday morning, she was chatting with the group's account when Smash Mouth asked when Doolittle planned to propose and even offered to play at the wedding.

While it's unclear if Smash Mouth knew about the impending proposal, Dolan credited the group for pushing Doolittle into action. The A's caught wind of the news shortly thereafter and reacted accordingly on Twitter.

Doolittle posted a 3.23 ERA with 10 holds and a 45/8 K/BB ratio across 39 innings (44 appearances) last season.

-- Nick Ostiller