Ron Darling is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, and Montreal Expos during his career. He was born on August 19, 1960, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and attended Yale University, where he played college baseball.
Darling was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 1981 MLB draft but was traded to the Mets before making his major league debut. He made his debut on September 6, 1983, and quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Mets. He was a key member of the team's pitching staff during their World Series championship season in 1986, winning two games in the postseason.
Over the course of his career, Darling was known for his control and ability to keep the ball in the park. He finished his career with a 136-116 record, a 3.87 ERA, and 1,590 strikeouts. He was named to the All-Star team once, in 1985, and won a Gold Glove award in 1989.
After retiring from baseball, Darling became a broadcaster, working for ESPN and TBS as a color commentator. He also worked as a studio analyst for the MLB Network. In addition to his broadcasting career, Darling has written several books, including a memoir about his time with the Mets called "Game 7, 1986: Failure and Triumph in the Biggest Game of My Life."
Darling has also been involved in philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has also been active in promoting baseball in China, serving as an ambassador for Major League Baseball's efforts to expand the sport in the country.
Overall, Ron Darling had a successful career as a major league pitcher and has continued to make an impact in the world of baseball through his broadcasting and philanthropic work.
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