Sometimes, a Little League® journey starts when you least expect it. For Paul Jones, his journey began on a day that was supposed to be all about cricket, Australia’s most popular sport. But an unexpected turn set him on a path that would impact his life for years to come.
“I am going to be honest, I stumbled upon baseball,” said Jones. “My mate and I were about to register for cricket until we saw the baseball registration table right next to it. We both looked at each other and said, ‘Why not give this baseball thing a go?’ Reflecting on that moment, it was one of the best things I have ever done.”
What started as an opportunity given to him to manage a baseball team from Ryde Little League in Sydney, Australia, sent Jones and the children he leads, alongside his assistant coaches, on an experience they would never forget – a trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile.
After a loss in their tournament opener against Mexico, Jones and his team were back on the diamond against Canada. In the top of the second inning and Australia down a run, Canada loaded the bases, prompting Jones to walk out for a mound visit. Despite trailing on the scoreboard and facing elimination from the World Series, Jones reminded the players why they were there – to have fun.
Although Ryde LL unfortunately did get eliminated from the tournament, Jones could not have been prouder of the journey, growth, and experience that his team had the opportunity to be part of.
“As we progressed through the NSW State and Australian National tournaments, we really became a tight-knit team,” said Jones. “To see that bond become closer from the beginning of our journey to the end of our time in Williamsport was truly something special. This team will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Recognized as the October 2026 Little League® Diamond Leader of the Month, Little League sat down with Jones for a Diamond Leader Discussion.
Why do you think it is important for coaches and volunteers to take the Diamond Leader Training Program?
I think the Diamond Leader training shows a lot of coaches the way to move forward in relation to how they interact with players, parents, fans, and their behavior in general. It’s a great platform for coaches to grow and learn from.
What lessons from the Diamond Leader training do you plan to carry into future seasons?
It’s as simple as just having fun, enjoying the moment, playing the game with a smile on your face, and not worrying about what may or may not come. If my players can do that, then I feel like I have succeeded as a coach and as a leader.
Why should someone volunteer as a Little League coach?
Being a role model to a player, from Tee Ball all the way up to graduation from Junior Baseball is so important. My playing days are obviously over, so now I umpire, coach, and try to impact the game any way I can as well as give back to a game that has given me so much over many years. I think volunteering and being someone who a player can look up to is a great thing.
What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader, and why should others strive to be one on the field?
If you put your best foot forward in what you are doing in relation to coaching and striving to be the best you can, that makes all the difference. I would love another opportunity to get to Williamsport again one day, but being a Diamond Leader is more about how you successfully guide the children moving forward and how they respond to the lessons you are trying to teach them.