Raburn attended Durant High School in Plant City, Florida. Following his prep career, he was selected in the 18th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft by his hometown Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Raburn, however, chose not to sign, opting instead to play for the University of Florida before transferring to South Florida Community College.\n', '

After two seasons of college baseball, the Detroit Tigers selected Raburn in the 5th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. Raburn signed and began playing in the minor leagues at third base, his natural position. He originally was a member of the Gulf Coast League Tigers, but was brought up to play on the Oneonta Tigers in July 2001. In 2001, Raburn was a part of Baseball America\'s short-season all-star team. At one point, he was the New York–Penn League\'s player of the week and his eight triples were the most in that league during the season. However, Raburn also committed 23 errors, which tied for the league most by third basemen. After the 2001 season was over, Baseball America named Raburn as Detroit\'s 18th-best prospect.\n', '

Raburn began 2002 unable to play because of a right hip strain. In July, he got back into action with a rehab stint in the Gulf Coast League. On July 17, he joined the West Michigan Whitecaps. He immediately started an eight-game hitting streak that lasted until July 25. During that stretch, Raburn posted a .355 batting average and drove in eight runs. During the 2002 season, Raburn appeared in 40 games with West Michigan. He batted .220, hit six home runs and totaled 28 runs batted in. After the season, Baseball America ranked Raburn as the Tigers\' 25th-best prospect.\n', '

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