Career
The light-hitting Bastian toiled for a total of six teams in the Union League, National League, Players" League, and American Association during an eight-year career. He became the club"s everyday shortstop, playing 103 games but hitting only.167 with 4 home runs and 29 Reserve Bank of India. He also led the league in strikeouts with 82. His production increased a bit as he hit.217 with 2 home runs and 38 Reserve Bank of India, and he placed in the league"s top ten in triples.
However, as his offense was still subpar, Bastian lost his starting job for 1887, remaining with the team as a utility infielder that season and the next.
The Chicago White Stockings (predecessors of the Cubs) were Bastian"s next stop, as they purchased him from Philadelphia. With the Cubs, Bastian"s performance bottomed out.
He batted a career-low.135 and played in just 46 games. Bastian jumped to the fledgling Players" League in 1890, signing with the Chicago Pirates, where he was once again an everyday shortstop.
However, his lack of offensive production continued to plague him, as Bastian failed to hit.200 for a third consecutive season.
In a 504-game career, Bastian hit just.189 with eleven home runs and 144 Reserve Bank of India. Bastian died on January 18, 1932 in Pennsauken, New Jersey.