Ronald J. Plein

Ronald J. “Roady” Plein silently stole home early Saturday, January 10, 2026, ending a life built on a love of baseball. He was a lifelong ambassador of the game, known for his tireless dedication, infectious energy, and genuine love for players, coaches, and fans alike. For more than 40 of his 81 years on this earth, Roady wore the number 11 jersey as Clubhouse Manager for the Cedar Rapids Kernels and it was fitting that he passed at exactly 11am.

Born March 23, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa, Ronnie would chase stray balls for the Dubuque Packers for fun until John Patrakis hired him to retrieve the strays for 5 cents per ball. His remarkable speed and enthusiasm earned him the nickname “Roady” — short for “Roadrunner” — because, as he liked to say, “I ran so fast. You can’t see me run”.

He began his professional baseball journey in 1975 with the Quad City Angels, doing “everything” from field work to painting and clubhouse chores as part of the team staff. In 1993, Roady joined the Cedar Rapids Kernels when the Angels’ Class A affiliation moved to the Midwest League club. He quickly became synonymous with Kernels baseball, serving as Clubhouse Manager and Equipment Manager, tending to both home and visiting teams with persistent care.

When the Kernels opened their new ballpark in the early 2000s, the facility included on-site living quarters for Roady, a testament to his unparalleled commitment. His roommate was the laundry room — and many evenings he was still folding uniforms and readying equipment at 3 a.m. long after the crowds had gone home.

In 2012, the Kernels honored him with a bobblehead giveaway in his likeness, and in 2022 he was selected for induction into the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame as a testament to his impact on the community and the sport.

Roady was more than a Clubhouse Manager — he was a mentor to young staff, a friend to countless players who went on to the major leagues, and a fan favorite who put his heart and a sense of fun into everything he did. His legacy will endure in the hearts of the Midwest League and all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Frances Plein, brother John Plein and several aunts and uncles.  Roady is survived by his niece, Amy Plein, two great nieces and several cousins. He also leaves behind his most cherished “friends family” in Cedar Rapids—Jack, Marcia, Bob, John, Tom, Jim and a host of too many others to list. A heartfelt Thank You to all who meant so much to Roady. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 13, 10-11:30am with a prayer service to follow at Leonard Funeral Home, 2595 Rockdale Rd. in Dubuque, IA. A celebration of his life will be held in Cedar Rapids at a date to be announced where friends and fans alike will gather to commemorate his remarkable life in America’s pastime.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.