BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : It’s Ferguson to Russell to Fielders

Last year’s bench coach, Joe Ferguson, was replaced this season by Bill Russell. But Ferguson, who is in his eighth year as a Dodger coach, is still working with the catchers in practice and is now positioning Dodger fielders from the press box during games.

There is nothing scientific, though, about the way Ferguson relays information to the bench. “Billy looks up at me in the press box and I give him the signs,” Ferguson said. “Then he relays them to the fielders.”

Manager Tom Lasorda credits Ferguson, a major league catcher for 14 seasons and with the Dodgers from 1978-81, with the development of Mike Piazza.

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A fashion show will be held next Wednesday at the Anaheim Hilton to benefit the Tommy Lasorda Jr. Memorial Foundation. Details: (310) 531-9928 or (714) 777-2875. All proceeds will go toward the building of a gym to benefit children in Orange County.