2014 saw the beginning of our 4th season as the Ohio Valley League. Growing pains continued, but at a slower pace than 2013. Marion unfortunately found it necessary to drop out of the league due to unavailability of housing for players which caused the remaining 5 teams to play a 40 game schedule that began May 30. 
     Weather played havoc with the first 3 weeks of the season causing lots of rescheduling which did not end until the 2 open dates at the end of the season were used as make-up days as were several late double-headers. 
     The season began with Hoptown threatening to runaway and hide as they won their first 11 games, similar to 2013. As the other teams' pitching staffs got loosened up the league became immediately more competitive. Madisonville struggled the entire season but still managed to win the play-in game to win a playoff spot. Fulton, Hoptown and Dubois County all were extremely competitive fighting it out for preferred playoff spots while Owensboro coasted to the title.  There were no surprises in the playoffs with Owensboro winning the trophy to go along with their Season Championship Trophy.
     Again the league's reputation as a pitchers league held up. Hoptown moved to the Christian County HS field on their rotating schedule with Hopkinsville HS. Hoptown and Dubois again led the league in attendance.  2014 saw more 1 run games and an increased level of defensive play.
     The Batting title was super close with the top to hitters only .0003 apart. Pitching was much better with the league ERA down almost 2.00 and aggregate batting average down 23 points.
     Steve Fowler was very active as the newly named league development director. He installed a league schedule in an advertising two fold which was placed in over 30 businesses, primarily restaurants and motels in the area to better form the public and tourists about our league. The additional exposure helped to install a sense of pride in players and management groups alike. 
     Also for the first time season playoff trophies were presented along with winning team medals. Individual season batting and pitching leaders were awarded personal trophies as well. 
     Expansion efforts continue with Martin Tenn and Nashville as new possibilities to join the league. 
On balance, with only 5 teams I feel it was a good season maturing throughout the baseball community.

Gordon Guess
OVL President.