NEW YORK – Ron Darling has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the former major-league pitcher with the Mets and current SNY analyst announced Monday.
"My doctors have said they are optimistic that the cancer is treatable and that I would be back on air talking baseball in the next month or so," Darling said in a statement. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their continued support."
Darling announced in mid-April that he needed surgery to remove a "large mass" in his chest. He said in Monday's statement that the diagnosis came after that mass was removed and further tests were performed.
"I'll kick its you-know-what," Darling said on the air before his leave began. "I'm really reporting this for Keith Hernandez to know he's going to have to do some extra games."
On Monday, Hernandez tweeted his support for his former teammate and current boothmate.
"My heart goes out to Ron Darling," he wrote. "I know that Ron will beat this insidious disease. I'm heartened to hear that his doctors are very optimistic for a full recovery. I will stop at my church this day and light a candle for Ron and his entire family."
Darling pitched for the Mets in nine of his 13 big-league seasons, going 15-6 with a 2.81 ERA in 1986 in helping the Mets win the World Series.
Newsday
