Broadcaster Darling says he has thyroid cancer

Ron Darling, former New York Mets pitcher and current broadcaster for SNY, said in a statement Monday that he has thyroid cancer.

"After the removal of the mass on my chest along with further tests, I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer," said Darling, 58. "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."

Last month, Darling took a leave of absence from calling games on SNY to have the mass removed.

"Upon receiving today's update on Ron's prognosis, we are comforted to know that his condition is treatable and look forward to seeing him back on the air soon," the Mets said in a statement.

Darling played for the Mets from 1983-1991 and was a member of their 1986 World Series championship team. He also pitched for theOakland Athleticsthrough 1995.