Simi Valley Baseball League recently celebrated opening day for its 31st season of baseball for boys and girls ages 4 through 18 in Eastern Ventura County. The league is the only Babe Ruth sanctioned organization in Ventura County.

League President Tom Williams opened the festivities with a brief welcome to the 46 teams and 550 players, family and friends at the league complex on Royal Avenue in Simi Valley.

Special guest was former major league baseball player Jay Johnstone who judged the team banners and gave an opening day address.

The United Stated Marine Corps from Edwards, Calif. presented the colors and Cassandra Bateman sang the national anthem.

Simi Valley Councilwoman Barbara Williamson presented the league with a city proclamation.

James Merridith, director of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District, was the honorary first batter during the first pitch ceremony led by pitcher Niko Ramirez, 8, and catcher Jacob Bauer, 9.

The league honored two covolunteers of the year, Sam Anderson and Bruce Bahrami.

Anderson spearheaded the improvements to the field playing surface improvements. He supervises the ongoing maintenance of the four league fields.

Bahrami has been the minor division player agent and assistant registration person for two years and continues to help in a variety of other capacities throughout the spring and winter seasons.

League Vice President Cere TaylorRamirez presented a special award to President Tom Williams for his 20 years as a youth baseball coach and 15 years as league director.

The opening day ceremonies continued with a Home Run Derby for both children and adults, raffle prizes and community booths.

The season started with two games each on the Major, Senior and Farm Fields. The Coach Pitch and T-Ball players participated in the bounce booths and other games during the afternoon.