Paul "Cooter" Jones, 2004

Paul “Cooter” Jones is best known for his successful leadership of the Reading High baseball program from 1973-1996.  Jones guided the Red Knights to a 327-192 (.630) mark in his 24 seasons at the helm, capturing three Central Penn titles (’76, ’80, ’82) and the same number of Berks County crowns (’83, ’87, ’93).  The highlight of his managerial endeavors came in 1983, when Reading finished 27-2, winning the District 3 title and the ultimate prize, a PIAA Class AAA championship.   

A native of North Carolina , Jones came to Reading in 1954 as a member of the Reading Indians, who were a single-A affiliate of Cleveland at the time.  He spent the better part of the next six seasons with the Indians, displaying a blend of power and speed.  He accumulated a total of 90 stolen bases and still ranks second to Dan Held on the all-time Reading list with 51 career home runs.  In 1956, he tied for the Eastern League lead in doubles (29) and was tied for third in home runs (16).  He twice (‘57 & ‘58) finished second in the EL to teammate Dave Mann in stolen bases and finished fourth or better on four occasions. 

Born in NC, 1931. 

Reading High Coach 1973-1996 (24 years)
Overall record 327-192
PIAA Class AAA champions – 1983
District 3 champions – 1983
Central Penn champions – 1976, 1980, 1982
Berks champions – 1983, 1987, 1993