We have all heard the story, immortalized in song, of how Santa Claus tabbed Rudolph as his Christmas Eve starter (or was it pinch runner?) and saved Christmas. But who has heard of the tense disagreements between Santa Claus and his General Manager-elf, Buddy Beane (certainly not to be played by Brad Pitt in any forthcoming movie)? Why was Rudolph even on the roster? I've been in contact with Buddy Beane (now retired) and allowed him to tell the story of that Christmas season in his own words.
It was a strange Christmas season. I was new on the job, just hired to be Santa's GM, and payroll was down.