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.
After the Rockford Forest Citys ceased operations at the end of 1871, Hastings joined the Cleveland Forest Citys as a player-manager. However, he was later removed from his managerial role by Deacon White due to the team's poor performance, particularly defensively, during an eastern road trip in May.