baldwin was born in barking, greater london. he was on trial at gillingham and impressed gills boss andy hessenthaler after a season with faversham town's first-team at the age of 18 years before going on trial with north-east side hartlepool united and signing a professional contract after impressing manager mick wadsworth in pre-season friendlies. prior to signing this contract, baldwin was due to start university in a few months time to do a course in sports therapy at kent.