Professor BirchRuby & Sapphire #89 Pokémon Card

Professor Birch is the resident Pokémon Professor of the Hoenn region, introduced in the third generation of Pokémon games, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. Unlike his predecessors, Professor Oak and Professor Elm, Professor Birch is often depicted as more adventurous and field-oriented, frequently found outside his lab studying Pokémon in their natural habitats. His primary focus is on Pokémon habitats and distribution, which often leads him into comical situations, such as being chased by a wild Poochyena at the beginning of the Hoenn journey, requiring the player's assistance. He is responsible for giving new trainers their first Pokémon, typically Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip, and also provides them with a Pokédex to document their findings. Professor Birch's character embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery central to the Hoenn region's theme. He is a kind and encouraging figure, always supportive of the player's journey to become a Pokémon Master. His interactions with the player's rival, May or Brendan, further highlight his role as a mentor. His design, featuring a lab coat over casual attire and a satchel, reinforces his image as a hands-on researcher. In the anime, he also appears, fulfilling a similar role in guiding Ash and his friends through the Hoenn region.