WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the San Francisco Giants are making a “habit” of dropping in at the White House.

Obama welcomed the 2012 World Series champions Monday at a South Lawn ceremony honoring their victory and their community service work. The Giants swept the World Series in October, defeating the Detroit Tigers 4-3 in the final game after nearly being knocked out earlier in the playoffs.

The president says their second title in three seasons was because of stellar pitching, defense and timely hitting. But Obama didn’t predict that finish. On the campaign trail last year, he anticipated a World Series between the White Sox and the Washington Nationals.

The crowd of well-wishers included Giants Hall of Famer Willie Mays, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.



NOTES: Giants assistant GM Bobby Evans says the club will recall 1B Brett Pill and OF Roger Kieschnick on Tuesday, when the team opens a series at Philadelphia. To clear roster room, INF Tony Abreu was placed on the 15-day disabled list and OF Kensuke Tanaka was optioned to Triple-A Fresno.