Professor Birch/Manga/PA/RS

Professor Birch is the father of and is old friends with Norman. He first appeared in Making Mirth with Mightyena, where he registered wild Pokémon data on Pokédex before receiving a call from Norman, who had just moved to Littleroot Town with his family. Wanting to help his friend with the move, Birch decided to head back to town, but was attacked by a pair of wild. A passing-by saw the commotion but refused to help at the risk of getting his Pokémon dirty. During the chase, Ruby picked up Birch's bag, but accidentally activated his Running Shoes and ran off a nearby cliff. After returning to town, Birch called Ruby on the Pokégear in his bag and properly introduced himself. Ruby revealed he was saved by a green Pokémon, but accidentally angered it into attacking him, revealing that it was actually a human girl. Overhearing the commotion, Birch cleared up the misunderstanding by revealing the girl was actually his daughter, Sapphire.

In Distracting Dustox, Birch received his belongings back from Sapphire, though Ruby had forgotten to return the Pokédex. Afterward, they called Norman and informed him Ruby had run away from home. Birch suggested calling the police, but Norman decided to find Ruby on his own. Later, Birch wished Sapphire good luck as she set out to conquer all of the Gyms in Hoenn.

In The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon VII', Birch was caught in a flood caused by the awakening of. He had planned on giving and the third Pokédex to, the third Hoenn Pokédex holder, but a tidal wave caused him to lose the bag containing them. He was later rescued by Emerald, who didn't mind the loss of Treecko, as he didn't like Pokémon to begin with. In It All Ends Now VIII, returned the third Pokédex back to its proper owner.