President Obama rarely misses a chance to show his Hawai'i pride and yesterday was no exception when he welcomed the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Shane Victorino to the White House.

Obama acknowledged fellow Hawai'i native Victorino, a St. Anthony alum from Maui, with the shaka sign during the ceremony.

"Shane, we don't get that many baseball players from Hawai'i in the majors," Obama said. "He was pointing out the Hawaiian flag on the carpet in there, saying 'shaka' — local boy. But that means that there are a lot of folks looking out for you."

Obama told the Phillies that their World Series run was similar to his winning presidential campaign — both were underdogs.

"Nobody thought I would win, either," he said.

He singled out star shortstop Jimmy Rollins for making calls on Obama's behalf during last year's campaign. Rollins presented Obama with a jersey and baseball, but the president wanted more. Obama jokingly asked for Rollins World Series' ring.