Drew spares back

Sox outfielder finds relief through bowling

MLB. Sox right fielder J.D. Drew thinks he’s uncovered an unorthodox method to shoo away the back pain that seems to pop up every spring.

The therapy, believe it or not, involves a bowling lane and a Pro Bowlers Association regulation bowing ball called the “BuzzBOMB.”

The 32-year-old Drew took up bowling with his father-in-law at his Georgia home this winter, and it kept his lumbar loose and limber when baseball activity once again started.

“I was looking for something to keep me loose,” said Drew, who had one of the biggest hits of last year’s playoff run when he smacked a grand slam in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. “I usually get a tighter lower back as the offseason goes through. You tend to get some soreness in some elements that don’t really bother you during the [baseball] year, but then in the offseason you start to scar down.

“Then, when you started in again in January you’re like, ‘Oh man,’” added Drew, of the back discomfort that has been a constant nearly every big league spring training.

“I thought to myself, ‘Maybe I’ll bowl to keep my back loose during the offseason,’ and I’ve got to say that it’s really worked. I haven’t had any problems with my back this spring.”

Drew likewise hasn’t had any problems as he did last summer when the right fielder was understandably preoccupied with the health of his baby son Jack, who was born with a hip problem that required surgery.

The family difficulties manifested themselves into one of the worst offensive seasons of Drew’s career, as it took a late September surge to get him to his final .270 batting average and a career-worst 11 home runs.

With 2-year-old Jack in better health and a healthy baby girl named Ella born this November, Drew is poised for something closer to the .284 batting average, 18 home runs and 62 RBI he’s averaged over his nine-year career.

“That first transition year [with a new team] is always a difficult year because you’re getting to know the coaching staff and your teammates, and they’re getting to know you too,” said Drew. “I think I found my role with this team at the end of last season, and for me that is key.”