Debuting with the Wilmington Quicksteps in 1884, Bastian played just 17 games before moving on to Union Association rival Kansas City Cowboys, where he tallied another eleven.

His production increased a bit as he hit .217 with 2 home runs and 38 RBI, 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.

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.