Darling diagnosed with thyroid cancer


Former New York Mets pitcher and current broadcaster Ron Darling said Monday that he has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

The 58-year-old Darling hopes to return to his broadcasting duties in approximately a month.

“After the removal of the mass on my chest along with further tests, I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” Darling said in a statement. “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.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their continued support.”

Darling underwent surgery last month to remove a lump from his chest.

Darling has been part of SNY’s telecasts of the Mets since 2006. Gary Cohen and former teammate Keith Hernandez are his partners. Darling also is part of TBS’ postseason broadcasts and serves as an analyst for the MLB Network.

Hernandez was among the people who expressed support, doing so on his Twitter feed.

“My heart goes out to Ron Darling. 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 played eight-plus seasons for the Mets and was a member of the team’s 1986 World Series-winning club.

He went 136-116 with a 3.87 ERA in 382 career appearances (364 starts) in 13 big league seasons with the Mets (1983-91), Montreal Expos (1991) and Oakland Athletics (1991-95).

Darling was an All-Star in 1985 when he went 16-6 with a 2.90 ERA.

Shortly before his health issues, Darling released a book titled, “108 Stitches: Loose Threads, Ripping Yarns, and the Darndest Characters from My Time in the Game.”

Former Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra sued Darling, alleging defamation over comments Darling made about him in his new book.

Darling has stood by an allegation he made in his book that Dykstra shouted racial slurs at Boston Red Sox pitcher Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd in the 1986 World Series.