Mets broadcaster and former pitcher Ron Darling announced on Monday he has thyroid cancer.
“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, 58, had previously taken a leave of absence from the SNY booth in early April to have surgery to have a mass removed from his chest. Darling was a key member of the Mets’ 1986 World Series team and has been in the booth for the team since 2006, alongside Keith Hernandez and play-by-play man Gary Cohen.
“My heart goes out to Ron Darling. I know that Ron will beat this insidious disease,” Hernandez wrote on Twitter. “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. I look forward to RJ’s return.”
Darling also works national games for TBS and MLB Network.
“Upon receiving today’s update on Ron’s prognosis,” said a statement from Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz, “we are comforted to know that his condition is treatable and look forward to seeing him back on the air soon.”