Playing first-class cricket for Hampshire as an off break bowler between 1877 and 1905, he took 580 wickets in 150 matches for the county, forming a prolific partnership with Thomas Soar.

[1] He made his debut as a off break bowler in first-class cricket for Hampshire against Derbyshire at Southampton in 1877.

[3] It was during Hampshire's period as a second-class county that he established his opening bowling partnership with Thomas Soar.

[2][5] Baldwin struggled in the 1901 season, taking just 15 wickets at an average of 40.73 from ten matches,[5][2] and was replaced in the side by Charlie Llewellyn.

[8] A portly figure who weighed over 12 stone (76 kg), he was a particularly effective off break bowler on pitches affected by rain, or that were worn.

[15] His son, Herbert, played first-class cricket for Surrey and stood as a Test match umpire.