Jack Baldwin (born 30 June 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Scottish Premiership club Ross County.
Career
Hartlepool United
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.
Baldwin made his senior debut for Hartlepool United on 17 December 2011 in a 1–0 home defeat against Colchester United with caretaker boss Micky Barron saying "Jack came in and was steady. He got on the ball, won his tackles and headers and competed really well. He's been terrific since he came to the club on trial in pre-season." After playing for the reserve side from the start of the season, Baldwin began to establish himself in the Hartlepool United's starting eleven, playing in either defensive-midfield and centre-back throughout the 2011–12 season. He went on to make seventeen appearances in his first season and shortly after the end of the 2011–12 season, Baldwin committed his future to Hartlepool by signing a long-term contract with the club.
In the 2012–13 season, Baldwin found himself in and out of the first team, where he was often featured on the substitute bench. After being suspended for one match and appearing three times as an unused substitute on the bench, Baldwin scored his first senior goal in a 2–1 defeat to A.F.C. Bournemouth in January 2013 and then scored again, four days later in a 3–1 win away to Portsmouth. Baldwin then set up two of Hartlepool's three goals, in a 3–0 win over Crewe Alexandra on 26 February 2013. However, during a 0–0 draw against Colchester United on 5 March 2013, he injured his right knee and was substituted before half-time. Initially ruled out for the rest of the season, Baldwin returned to the training soon after and played his first match in weeks on 29 March 2013, in a 2–0 loss against MK Dons. By the end of the 2012–13 season, Baldwin had made thirty-five appearances and scoring twice in all competitions.
During the 2013–14 season, Baldwin began to established himself in the first team once more at Hartlepool United, forming a partnership with Christian Burgess. He scored his first goal of the season on 12 October 2013, in a 3–0 win over Exeter City. He went on to score two goals in the FA Cup campaign against Notts County and Coventry City. On 29 December 2013, Baldwin scored again, in a 2–1 win over Morecambe. Following this, Baldwin was linked a move away from Hartlepool United, with League One side Peterborough United among those interested in him. Up until his departure from Hartlepool United, he was an ever-present player for the side, having started every league match since the start of the season.
Peterborough United
Baldwin moved to League One side Peterborough United for £500,000 on 31 January 2014 just minutes before the transfer deadline. Upon joining the club, it was revealed the price tag could rise up to £750,000 with the potential for add-ons.
After being initially out of the first team, due to being suspended whilst at Hartlepool United, Baldwin made his Peterborough United debut on 1 March 2014 against Crawley Town, coming on as a late second-half substitute, and conceded a penalty in a 1–0 loss. Since making his debut, Baldwin quickly became a Peteborough's first team regular and helped the side reach the play-offs where they were unsuccessful after losing 3–2 to Leyton Orient. His performance was praised by Manager Darren Ferguson. At the end of the 2013–14 season, Baldwin went on to make thirteen appearances in all competitions. He was however cup-tied for their victory in the 2013-14 Football League Trophy.
The 2014–15 season, however, saw Baldwin suffer several setbacks despite being featured in the first team regularly After playing in the opening game of the season against Rochdale, Baldwin suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the remainder of August. Two months later, on 21 October 2014, Baldwin was sent-off for a second bookable offence, in a 1–0 loss against Crewe Alexandra. On 1 November 2014 Baldwin captained Peterborough for the first time. In the same game he ruptured a knee ligament that would rule him out for the next ten to twelve months. Baldwin finished his first full season having made eleven appearances in all competitions.