If the rivalry wasn't fierce enough, the Sydney Blue Sox have added some extra spice after pinching one of the Canberra Cavalry's best young talents ahead of their Australian Baseball League clash this week.
Canberra teenager Mitch Edwards was set to play with the Cavalry again this summer but instead opted for Sydney to learn under an experienced Blue Sox coaching panel.
Edwards played for the Major League Baseball world team in the United States last month and caught the attention of scouts across the USA.
The Weston Creek Indians catcher impressed enough to earn a full scholarship at Arizona Western College, which he has signed and will commence in July.
Cavalry manager Michael Collins admitted it was tough losing the Canberra-based Edwards but said it was the nature of elite sports.
"You never want to lose any of your players, it's nice to keep as many guys as you can and try to develop your guys and form a team that plays together like Perth did for years," Collins said.
"They all played together for a very long and time and were quite successful, it would be nice to do that one day."
The Cavalry are looking for their first win of their season when they host Sydney in a four-game series that kicks off at Narrabundah Ballpark on Thursday.
Canberra dropped three games in their campaign opener against Brisbane, while Sydney enjoyed an unblemished start with four wins against Adelaide Bite to sit top of the ABL ladder.
"Sydney is always an exciting match up with the close proximity, our fans travel up and their fans travel down, so it's always a good atmosphere and we match up well," Collins said.
"We've had some tough games over the years and we're expecting that again, they won all four games last week so they're riding high and we're looking to rebound.
"We have the talent and I think the guys know it, this week is a chance to prove themselves and bounce back and we'll use last week as a motivator."
Former Major League player Ryan Kalish will make his first Cavalry appearance at home and Collins encouraged fans to come out and support the side.
"Brisbane was the first time Ryan has played in almost two years after dealing with some injuries he had in the States," Collins said.
"Him and our other imports hit the ground running last week and for a lot of these guys it's about being comfortable and working out how this league plays.
"Ryan has reached the highest level, but who knows, if you come out you might see guys that become future stars on TV one day."
AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE:
Thursday - Saturday: Canberra Cavalry v Sydney Blue Sox at Narrabundah Ballpark, 7pm.
Sunday: Canberra Cavalry v Sydney Blue Sox at Narrabundah Ballpark, 2pm.
