 After playing at the University of Richmond, the Cleveland Indians selected Budzinski in the 21st round of the 1995 draft.Budzinski played professionally for 11 seasons, and he spent the 1997 campaign in the Carolina League as an outfielder for the Kinston Indians.After spending time in the Indians, Cubs, and Brewers systems, Budzinski made his Major League debut with the Cincinnati Reds on August 3, 2003.