President Obama Honors New York Yankees at White House

The New York Yankees spent their off-day in the nation's capital visiting with wounded armed service members and then the president at the White House.

First players, coaches, and executives visited Walter Reed Medical Center and the Malone House, a long-term rehabilitation home for wounded warriors, to spend time with wounded soldiers and their families.

They then toured the White House and met President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, cabinet members, members of Congress, and other staffers.

At a brief ceremony, President Obama congratulated the Yankees on their 2009 World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and praised the team for visiting wounded soldiers, for their various on-going charitable endeavors, and for setting a good example to young athletes.

"They spent time with soldiers and their families, bringing hope and joy to folks who really need it at a time of great difficulty," the president said. "In the end, that's what makes the Yankees special. It's not simply the names on their roster or the size of their trophy case -- it's the people underneath the pinstripes that set this team apart. It's the players and coaches who shoulder a legacy unlike any other. But who share a belief that anybody blessed with first-class talent also has an obligation to be a first-class person."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi presented Obama with a Yankee jersey featuring the World Series patch, the number 27 signifying the franchise's championships, and autographs from many of the players.

Obama shook hands with players, coaches, staffers, and executives and posed for pictures with the team and their gleaming World Series trophy.

"You guys got a few others of those," Obama said, pointing at the trophy. "We just wanted one."

The Yankees will play the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Tuesday night. The team has invited 20 wounded veterans from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital to attend the game and spend time with players on the field during batting practice, according to a Yankees press release.

>READ THE PRESIDENT'S FULL REMARKS