Community Corner

Former Mets Pitcher Appears at Tree Lighting in Wantagh

The tree lighting in Wantagh was visited by Ron Darling, former New York Mets pitcher.

The annual Forest City Community Park Holiday Lighting this past Sunday got a visit from one of the key New York Met pitchers that helped deliver the franchise’s last World Series title 26 years ago.

Ron Darling, who went 15-6 during the Mets 1986 championship season, was a guest speaker for the tree lighting ceremony held at the Town of Hempstead-run park in North Wantagh.  Darling is currently an analyst for Met television broadcasts on Sports Net New York. 

“I was lucky to meet Ron Darling through work and have gotten to know him over the years through his Ron Darling Foundation,” said Forest City Community Board member Bill O”Leary. “He was nice enough to be our guest at the lighting.”

Students from the Levittown School District’s Lee Road Elementary School in Wantagh also performed holiday music for the crowd.

Sunday’s holiday event at Forest City Community Park featured the lighting of a Christmas tree and Menorah for Hanukkah along with a magician, crafts and visit from Santa Claus. 

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