Richard “Dick” Wayne McVay, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and legendary figure in Iowa high school baseball, passed away on July 31st, 2026 at the age of 76.

Born May 5, 1950, Dick was the youngest of five children born to Wayne McVay and Helen [Kokes] McVay. His father worked for Penick and Ford in Cedar Rapids, while his mother devoted herself to raising their two sons and three daughters. Dick grew up in and around Norway, Iowa, a small community that would become inseparably connected to his remarkable baseball career.

Dick began playing baseball when he was seven or eight years old and joined the Norway Little League program in 1962. He initially played third base, but it did not take long for his exceptional pitching ability to emerge. During one extraordinary stretch that year, the 12-year-old threw four consecutive no-hitters.

By age 14, Dick was playing for the Norway town team and representing Norway High School in both baseball and basketball. His arrival helped usher in one of the most celebrated periods in Iowa high school sports history. Under Coach Bernie Hutchison, Dick and his teammates became known as the Norway “Giant Killers,” repeatedly defeating schools many times larger than their own.

As a high school pitcher, Dick compiled an almost unimaginable record of 69 wins and only three losses. He helped Norway capture five state baseball championships between the fall of 1965 and the spring of 1968. He was known for his powerful fastball, his composure on the mound, and his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest.

Among his many unforgettable performances was a one-hit, 16-strikeout victory over Council Bluffs Jefferson in the 1967 state tournament. Norway High School drew its players from a town of approximately 500 people, while Council Bluffs had a population of roughly 55,000. The following day, Dick entered the championship game in relief against Mason City and struck out the final three batters to complete Norway’s improbable title run.

In the fall of 1967, Dick pitched a no-hitter and struck out 15 batters in the state championship game against Marian of Stacyville. He completed his high school career in the spring of 1968 with yet another championship victory. His talent brought major-league scouts to Norway and helped draw attention to an extraordinary group of teammates, including future professional players Bruce Kimm, Steve Stumpff, and Max Elliott.

Following his graduation in 1968, Dick was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft, the 79th player chosen overall. He signed with the Cardinals on June 23 and soon made his professional debut for the Cedar Rapids Cardinals.

More than 3,000 fans attended his first professional appearance, delaying the start of the game while the stadium accommodated the crowd. Across Dick’s first four home starts, more than 13,000 spectators came to see the hometown pitching sensation. He finished his first professional season with a 5–4 record and was invited to the Cardinals’ Florida Instructional League and spring training.

There, Dick played alongside some of baseball’s greatest figures, including Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver. He advanced rapidly through the Cardinals’ system, reaching the Triple-A Tulsa Oilers at only 19 years old and earning a victory in his first appearance.

An injury to his pitching arm ultimately ended the career that so many believed would take him to the major leagues. Dick continued pitching through the 1971 season before returning home to Iowa. Although his professional career was shortened, his accomplishments and influence on the game endured.

Dick was inducted into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and his achievements remain an important chapter in the history of Norway baseball. Yet those closest to him knew that Dick was far more than his records, championships, and honors.

He was generous and loving to his family, friends, and community. Dick’s strong-willed nature, determination, and self-discipline- the same qualities he was known for as an athlete- helped him recover from many medical setbacks over recent years. 

Dick enjoyed watching golf, Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show, and never missed a chance watching Caitlin Clark to play basketball. Even though he was a St. Louis Cardinal, his favorite team was the Chicago Cubs. Dick was also a regular attendee of the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church; he was especially fond of Pastor Bonnie, who helped him through recent struggles, and was grateful to the entire church community for their love and concern. Dick’s happiest moments were in life with his wife, Monette [Coates], whom he married on October 23, 1976, in Moline, Illinois. Together they built a life in Norway, where they raised their family. 

He is survived by his children, his grandchildren, his siblings (Bob McVay [Gloria] of Keystone, and Nancy Schmuecker [Gary Stallman] of Fairfax, IA,) and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former teammates, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Billie-Ann [McVay] and Sandy [Schulte] and his beloved wife, Monette; his family is comforted knowing that they will be together again.

Dick’s life was marked by rare talent, determination, and resilience. To baseball fans, he will always be remembered as the young pitcher who helped a tiny Iowa town defeat the giants. To his family and friends, however, his greatest legacy will be his deep love for them.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 5th at 10 a.m. at 4700 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The family would like to express its gratitude to Hospice of Mercy, the staff of Mercy hospital ICU, and Dr. Dhaliwal for their care and expertise, as well as very special thanks to Pastor Bonnie and the entire St. Mark’s United Methodist Church community for their kindness, care, prayers, and support.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 4700 Johnson Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405 or, the Norway Baseball Association and Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 92, Norway, IA 52318.