Country star Naomi Judd, former pitcher Kent Bottenfield to perform in metro-east

Country music legend Naomi Judd will be just one of three big names sharing their love for the Gospel this weekend in the metro-east.

Judd will be the special guest of the Palmetto State Quartet during a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville. Tickets are $20 in advance or $24.50 at the door.

Then, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, former St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Kent Bottenfield will take the mound for God in a free solo concert at Winstanley Baptist Church in Fairview Heights.

Here's a closer look at each program:

Called to sing

Twenty years ago, many people may have wondered what Naomi Judd would have to be thankful for.

At the pinnacle of their success, she and Wynonna had become country music's most acclaimed mother-daughter act, selling more than 20 million albums and videos in seven years. It came to an abrupt end in 1991 when Mom found she had hepatitis C and was forced to retire.

But for more than a decade, Judd has been free of the potentially fatal liver disease -- a victory she credits partly to her care at St. Louis University and in large measure to God. Now, she heads the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund while still singing the praises of the faith that helped her through her medical battle.

This Friday night, she'll share the stage with the Palmetto State Quartet, a group steeped in South Carolina gospel music history.

Sometime between 1946 and 1947, five Greenville, S.C., unknowns came together to form a gospel quartet. Not long after, they were able to land a 30-minute program that aired live on WFBC Radio in Greenville.

According to legend, the men didn't even know what to call themselves, so they asked for suggestions over the air. Listeners decided on Palmetto State, taken from the sabal palmetto, the state tree of South Carolina.

Now, 60 years and umpteen personnel changes later, they are still bringing their message and award-winning sound to churches and arenas across the country.

"At every concert, the group believes that with God's anointing, one word or one song might change a life forever," says Kerry Berry, who heads the group. "The group is humbled and honored to share in that calling."

Doors for the concert seating will open at 6:30 p.m., but come early to take advantage of the food court that will include baked potatoes, chili, sloppy Joes and desserts. The church is at 1200 Moreland Drive, near South 74th Street and Old St. Louis Road (Illinois 13). For ticket information, call the church at 397-5994.

A higher pitch

In 1999, Kent Bottenfield was the best hurler the St. Louis Cardinals had going, compiling an 18-7 record with a 3.97 earned run average.

Now, he's pitching for Christ with a voice that has sent several of his original songs up the national contemporary Christian music charts. So, he won't throw you any curves when he performs at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Winstanley Baptist Church in Fairview Heights.

"I just sit back in awe every time I hear how the music has affected someone," says Bottenfield, who has two CDs to his credit -- "Take Me Back" from 2004 and "Back in the Game" in 2007, which produced such Top 20 hits as "A Son of My Own" and "Saved."

"Because I know I have nothing to do with it. I write about 90 percent of my music, but the kicker is that I have almost no musical training. That is the reason I know God is in this. I have seen God work through an empty vessel -- me."

In nine seasons in the big leagues, Bottenfield put together a 46-49 record during stints with eight teams. But after his big breakout year in 1999, the Birds traded Bottenfield to Anaheim for Jim Edmonds, and the one-time All-Star lasted only two more years, compiling a 10-15 mark.

Now after the ups and downs of baseball and a battle to overcome a near-fatal heart condition, the big right-hander, who makes his home in Franklin, Tenn., has found peace and inspiration in his faith.

"Baseball was my dream," he says. "It was something I planned and hoped for from the age of 10. This music ministry is God's plan, specifically designed for me."

Winstanley is at 9471 W. Highway 161; the concert is free, although an offering will be taken. To sample Bottenfield's music or his ministry, go to www.kbott.com.