The University of South Carolina baseball team and Gov. Nikki Haley are becoming regular pals.

Haley invited head coach Ray Tanner and Gamecock players to the State House Wednesday to celebrate the team's back-to-back National Championships.

"All of you know that I am a die hard Clemson alumni but I will tell you today I am a proud governor," Haley said. "There is not a person in this state that didn’t have chills when they saw the Carolina flag flying over the State House."

Haley presented Tanner and the team with the flag, which flew over the State House last July after the Gamecocks won the 2011 College World Series. She also declared "Gamecock Baseball Back-to-Back National Championship Day," across South Carolina.

"It’s been a great run for us," Tanner said. "Among all the excitement and celebration that we had after winning the championships, seeing the flag atop our State House was the cap."

The MVPs of each of the two World Series, Scott Wingo and Jackie Bradley Jr., highlighted a group of about 10 players present for the event. University President Harry Pastides also spoke during the event.

The 2012 South Carolina baseball season begins Feb. 17 at home against Virginia Military Institute.