After the Rockford Forest Citys disbanded at the end of 1871, Hastings joined the Cleveland Forest Citys in , again as player-manager. However, he lost the job of manager to Deacon White after the team played poorly, especially defensively, on an abortive eastern road trip in May.
Following the dissolution of the Rockford Forest Citys at the end of 1871, Hastings joined the Cleveland Forest Citys as a player-manager. However, he was relieved of his managerial duties by Deacon White after the team's poor performance, especially defensively, during an eastern road trip in May.