Professional Baseball Player Baseball Player Charlie Bastian characterized the dead ball era style of play by exhibiting grit and determination and having the athletic ability to play a variety of baseball positions. Baseball History When the economy of the country started booming in mid-1880s, especially the manufacturing base of the Midwest, major league baseball expanded rapidly. The National League (NL) added new teams, the American Association (AA) was formed, 1882, and the Union Association was started, 1884. The high demand for more baseball players brought more dollars per/se. Charles Bastian played his rookie season, 1884, with the now defunct Union Association, which lasted just one year before going bankrupt.

Playing mainly second base Bastian batted .198 in 28 games. A noted fielder he signed with the Philadelphia club of the National League the next season, 1885, and switched to the shortstop position. In 103 games of the then 110 game schedule, Charlie Bastian hit .167, lined 11 doubles, 5 triples, 4 homers. For Philadelphia from 1886-1888 he batted .217, .213 and .193. Charlie Bastian career stats: .189 BA, 49 Ds, 26 Ts, 11 Hrs, 308 strikeouts (Ks), 179 Ws, 342 hits in 1806 at bats, 504 games, 241 Runs, 144 RBIs. Right-handed 5 ft 6.5 inches, 145 lbs All Rights Reserved baseballhistorian.com