Special guest for Opening Day

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers

GOLDEN ARM- Pitcher Jennie Finch, Olympic gold medalist and the biggest celebrity in softball today, prepares to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the start of Simi Valley Girls Softball season at Big Sky Park on Saturday. Despite the strong winds and dusty conditions, hundreds of community members turned out to see Finch and the park district's new $2.8 million facility. See related story on page 9 and pictures from Opening Day festivities on page 18.