He was given a Plusle and Minun by his grandfather, but he was unsure of whether or not he could properly train them. Having very little trust and confidence in his Pokémon, all Thatcher could do was cheer for others using their Helping Hand. Ash, whom Thatcher looks up to as a 'hero' and a master, taught him to believe in his Pokémon. He reappeared in Cheer Pressure!, where he was training with a pep squad. Bulbapedia