He’s no t The Bachelor and he won’t be getting any roses but Christian Lopez had a hoot appearing as one of 22 suitors on Sweet Home Alabama, whose third season premieres on 9 p.m. Friday. The dating show pits city slickers against cowboys who compete for the heart of a Southern belle — this time it’s Paige Duke, a model and season 2 Alabama contestant from South Carolina.

We spoke to the 27-year-old suitor, a professional baseball player with the independent league the Maryland Blue Crabs who was born in Hialeah and lives in Miami Gardens.

How was it being on the show?

I get along with almost everyone I meet. I’m not a confrontational guy. I don’t like to fight. I think I was the only one who was pretty much used to being around guys all the time. It was like baseball season all over again: 25 guys for six months out of the year. You live together, work together.

How did you get along with the bachelorette?

She’s a hell of a girl, very cool, but being from Miami I like the Latin women. You know, big butt, nice legs. And she didn’t really have that. That makes me sound kind of shallow and I’m not like that. I just didn’t feel the connection.

What was the process like?

She doesn’t give us a rose. She doesn’t give us anything. We all kind of sit out on a front patio and then this man Boyd [ Chris Harrison wannabe] comes up. If she wants to talk to us alone, either she wants a date or wants to eliminate you. There were points where [producers] said, ‘We need you to talk about this, spark up a debate. We need some good TV from you guys.’ That’s when I thought, ‘Uh-oh, that’s how it’s gonna be.’

How did you get involved?

I was on Craig’s List, looking for part time work during the off season and saw an ad. I sent in some pictures and information and then got three or four calls the same day. Next thing I know I’m on the show. It all happened pretty quick.

Did you feel like a fish out of water?

I’m a city boy just because I live in Miami. But I travel with baseball and get to see little towns, so I like all the country stuff, too.

Anything funny or crazy happen?

I did have a pair of Speedos that I bought in Colombia I brought with me. Since it’s CMT, I don’t know if they’re going to show me in them. They’re pretty short. I did get a few cracks about that.

Any more reality shows in your future?

I’m honestly not a big reality TV fan. I just did it for exposure to get my face out here and maybe open a door for me. I love music and acting, even though baseball is my passion and my dream since I was a kid. I feel like I can do anything.

Madeleine Marr