born in penrhiwceiber, baker began his career troedrhiw before joining cardiff city in january 1938, after having trials at a number of clubs including arsenal and wolverhampton wanderers. he made his debut for the club in a 2–0 win over northampton town in february 1939 as an outside-right but would make just two more appearances before the outbreak of world war ii. baker had played in 22 wartime fixtures for the club when he was called up to enlist.