Prior to reaching the Major Leagues, Hudson served as an umpire in several minor leagues, beginning with the Appalachian League in 1992. From there, he moved on to the South Atlantic League for the following year, during which he also spent time in the Florida Instructional League. After umpiring for the Florida State League in 1994, Hudson moved on to the Southern League in 1995 and 96. He also officiated for the Hawaiian Winter League in 1995. After advancing all the way to the International League, where he umpired from 1997 to 1999, Hudson was promoted to the Major Leagues in 1999.