Special to the Daily Breeze, “mailto:breezesports@breezenewspapers.com”>breezesports@breezenewspapers.com

The Fort Myers Miracle have drawn more than 1.6 million fans to Hammond Stadium since moving into the Lee County-owned facility in 1992.

That number will continue adding up since the Miracle Professional Baseball Club recently signed a new five-year lease agreement with the county.

The Miracle open their 17th season at Hammond Stadium next Thursday when they host the Sarasota Reds.

“We value our wonderful relationship that we have with Lee County and thank everyone that helped put this agreement together. We look forward to the continued growth of Miracle Baseball in Southwest Florida,” Miracle President Linda McNabb said in a prepared statement.

Baseball fans in Southwest Florida have become accustomed to the Class A Florida State League team’s wild and crazy “Fun is Good” motto. Fans also have seen the future stars of tomorrow begin their playing careers in Fort Myers. The Minnesota Twins’ projected opening day roster still features 12 former Miracle players.

“They (Miracle) have become a fixture of our community and we are pleased that the new agreement means many more nights of summer fun,” County Commissioner Ray Judah said.

The current agreement, approved Tuesday, includes a five-year extension option in 2012 when the agreement expires.

The Miracle will work out at Hammond Stadium for the first time at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

All 26 Dunkin’ Donuts locations throughout Southwest Florida is providing fans a free general admission ticket to see the Miracle on Opening Night.

Those tickets can be upgraded to a box seat for only $2 and may be upgraded at the Miracle’s stadium offices starting Monday.