After making more than 130 league appearances for Cardiff City Lee Baddeley spent just over two seasons with Exeter City in the late 1990s. He subsequently played for Merthyr Tydfil before returning to live in Devon.  

Lee, who represented Wales at youth and under-21 level, commenced his playing career with Cardiff City - his local club - progressing from youth trainee to full professional in August 1991. Having already made his league debut for the Bluebirds aged sixteen - the youngest player to do so at the time - against  GIllingham in November 1990 Lee went on to feature in 133 league games for Cardiff scoring one goal. 

Featuring less regularly in the side Lee became surplus to requirements and, in February 1997, signed for Exeter City going straight into the first team as a substitute against Rochdale on 8 February. 1997. Appearing regularly during the remainder of 1996/97, Lee managed 34 league and cup outings the following season before injuries took their toll in 1998/99 when he made just 25 appearances. He was released in May 1999 and spent a season with Merthyr Tydfil before a persistent hamstring injury forced his retirement the following year at the age of twenty-six.

Having married when with Exeter Lee returned to the area and, through playing golf, found a job as a trainee greenkeeper at Downes golf club near Crediton. After training and qualifying in sports turf science and management Lee later joined his wife’s family business selling and servicing power tools.