Though the Reds make three trips to Chicago this season, none occurs during a weekend, denying Cincinnati-area zealots the chance to make their annual fun-filled pilgrimage to the city.

        Cincinnati received a bonus trip to Chicago to visit the White Sox for an interleague series. Even that falls in the middle of the week (June 12-14). The Reds meet the Cubs at Wrigley Field May 22-24 and Sept. 10-13.

        Few baseball environments can top a Reds-Cubs weekend series at Wrigley. The crowd is overflowing, partly because of the thousands of Cincinnati imports. The noise is constant — amplified by Reds fans, as even players acknowledged last year. It's the regular season at its best.

        Driving-distance alternatives for weekend Reds series include St. Louis (June 1-4), Cleveland (June 8-10) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 6-9). Good luck getting tickets for the first two. Besides, they're just not the same as Chicago.

        (Reds schedule)

        WILD ABOUT HARRY: Former Reds coach Harry Dunlop, freed by the team to pursue other job opportunities, has joined the New York Mets as a scout.

        Dunlop, a resident of Elk Grove, Calif., will primarily scout the Pacific Coast League and might receive isolated major-league assignments.

        “It's ideal for me because I won't have to travel that much and I still keep my hand in the game,” said Dunlop, 67. “It would be tough after 49 years (in professional baseball) not to be around.”

        Dunlop said he called acquaintances from a few teams earlier this offseason to inform them of his availability, but the Mets weren't on his list. An opening arose when former slugger Howard Johnson, who scouted the PCL for the Mets last year, became a minor-league manager. Harry Minor, a special assistant to Mets general manager Steve Phillips, recommended Dunlop.

        “That still makes you feel pretty good when somebody else calls you,” Dunlop said.

        SEMINAR TIME: Reds broadcaster and former major-league pitcher Chris Welsh will host two workshops for begin ning and advanced pitchers.

        The first, on Feb. 4 at the Sports Plus Complex in Evendale, 10765 Reading Rd., is recommended for coaches and parents of pitchers age 12 and under.

        The second, on Feb. 11 at Tealtown Baseball Park in Milford, 4762 Tealtown Rd., is geared toward advanced pitchers.

        Both sessions are scheduled for 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $50. Each attending coach or parent may bring one pitcher free of charge. For more information, contact Jim MacFarland at (513) 752-3193.

        Also, Good Samaritan Hospital will present a baseball-oriented sports medicine symposium Feb.9 at Cintas Center, featuring famed orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. Fees range from $25 for coaches, $75 for trainers and physical therapist assistants, $100 for physical therapists and $125 for physicians. Registration deadline is Feb.1. For more information, call 956-5060.

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