**Moses Guthrie's #35 Pittsburgh Pisces Jersey from *The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh* (1979)**

The **Pittsburgh Pisces** jersey worn by Moses Guthrie (played by NBA legend **Julius "Dr. J" Erving**) in the cult classic sports comedy *The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh* is a fictional basketball uniform steeped in 1970s funk and astrological flair. Here’s the breakdown:

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### **Movie Context**

- **Plot:** The **Pittsburgh Pisces**, a failing ABA basketball team, rebuilds their roster using astrology, recruiting only players born under the zodiac sign **Pisces**. Moses Guthrie (Dr. J), their star player, leads the team to a miraculous turnaround.

- **Theme:** A mix of basketball action, disco-era camp, and New Age humor.

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### **Jersey Design**

- **Team Name:** **Pittsburgh Pisces** (a play on the zodiac sign and the city’s real-life teams like the Steelers/Pirates).

- **Number:** **35** (worn by Moses Guthrie, the team’s charismatic leader).

- **Colors:** Bright **blue and white**, with aquatic/Pisces-themed accents.

- **Logo:** Features a stylized **fish** (symbolizing Pisces) dribbling a basketball.

- **Material:** Retro 1970s polyester design with wide collars and short shorts.

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### **Significance of Moses Guthrie**

- **Julius Erving’s Role:** Fresh off his ABA/NBA stardom, Dr. J brought real-world basketball credibility to the film. His gravity-defying dunks and cool demeanor elevated the movie’s on-court action.

- **Character Arc:** Guthrie evolves from a disillusioned star to embracing the team’s quirky astrological strategy, leading the Pisces to victory.

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### **Legacy & Collectibility**

- **Cult Status:** The film’s absurd premise and Dr. J’s involvement have made it a beloved "so bad it’s good" classic.

- **Jersey Rarity:** Authentic screen-used jerseys are extremely rare, but reproductions and fan-made versions occasionally surface on sites like **Etsy** or eBay.

- **Pop Culture:** The Pisces jersey symbolizes 1970s sports kitsch and is a favorite among fans of vintage basketball memorabilia.

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### **Where to Find Replicas**

1. **Custom Shops:** Websites like **Etsy** or **Redbubble** often sell DIY versions.

2. **Vintage Sports Memorabilia Auctions:** Screen-used props sometimes appear at specialty auctions.

3. **DIY Projects:** Fans recreate the jersey using blue fabric, iron-on fish logos, and retro numbering.

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**Fun Fact:**

The film’s soundtrack includes funk/disco tracks by **The Commodores** and **Bill Withers**, adding to its retro charm.

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**Final Quote:**

*"We’re gonna win this game... and we’re gonna win it with* ***astrology*** *!"* – Pittsburgh Pisces coach (Jonathan Winters)

Whether you’re a Dr. J fan, a lover of bizarre sports movies, or just into retro jerseys, Moses Guthrie’s #35 Pittsburgh Pisces jersey is a hilarious slice of basketball history. 🏀♓✨Title: "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh: The Legacy of Moses Guthrie's Iconic 35 Jersey"

In the world of sports, certain jerseys hold a special place in history. One such jersey is the number 35 Pittsburgh Pisces basketball jersey worn by the legendary Moses Guthrie. Known for his incredible skills on the court and charismatic personality off of it, Guthrie's impact on the game goes far beyond his impressive stats.

The Pittsburgh Pisces, a struggling basketball team in need of a miracle, found their savior in Moses Guthrie. With his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to the game, Guthrie led the Pisces to an unforgettable championship victory. And it was during this championship run that Guthrie's number 35 jersey became a symbol of hope, resilience, and triumph.

The jersey itself is a visual representation of Guthrie's legacy. The bold navy blue and gold colors pay homage to the Pisces' team colors, while the number 35 emblazoned on the front serves as a reminder of Guthrie's impact on the game. Fans still proudly sport this iconic jersey to this day, honoring the memory of a true basketball pioneer.

But the significance of Guthrie's jersey goes beyond just sports. The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, a beloved basketball comedy film, immortalized Guthrie's jersey as a symbol of unity and inspiration. The message of the film, that teamwork and perseverance can lead to greatness, is embodied in the legacy of Moses Guthrie and his number 35 jersey.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the story of Moses Guthrie and his iconic jersey serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that with dedication, passion, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible. So the next time you see a number 35 Pittsburgh Pisces basketball jersey, remember the fish that saved Pittsburgh and the legend of Moses In the realm of sports cinema, few films capture the zeitgeist of an era quite like "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh." Released in 1979, this whimsical narrative revolves around a fictional basketball team, the Pittsburgh Pisces, and their extraordinary journey to success through an unconventional recruitment strategy. Central to this storyline is Moses Guthrie, portrayed by legendary basketball player Julius Erving. The character's number 35 jersey has since become emblematic of both the film and its broader themes of teamwork and community (Retro Review, 2023). This essay reflects on the significance of Moses Guthrie’s jersey within the cultural context of Pittsburgh basketball and its enduring legacy in popular culture. The narrative framework of "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" is as bizarre as it is captivating. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Pittsburgh, the film introduces viewers to a struggling basketball team that finds renewed hope by exclusively recruiting players born under the sign Pisces—an idea inspired by an astrologer (Retro Review, 2023). This quirky premise serves not only as a vehicle for humor but also underscores a deeper message about collaboration over individual prowess. Within this context, Moses Guthrie emerges as a pivotal character whose athleticism and leadership embody these values. His jersey number—35—serves as both a literal uniform identifier and a metaphorical representation of his role in uniting disparate talents into a cohesive unit. Julius Erving's portrayal of Guthrie extends beyond mere athletic performance; it encapsulates an idealized version of teamwork that resonates with audiences even today.
### Key Points

- Moses Guthrie, played by Julius Erving, is the star player in the 1979 movie "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh."

- He wears jersey number 35 for the Pittsburgh Pisces, a fictional basketball team.

- Custom jerseys with this design are available for purchase online.

### Movie and Character Overview

"The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" is a 1979 sports comedy where Moses Guthrie, portrayed by NBA legend Julius Erving, leads the Pittsburgh Pythons, later renamed the Pittsburgh Pisces, to success by assembling a team of players born under the Pisces zodiac sign. This unique strategy, guided by an astrologer, turns the team's fortunes around.

### Jersey Details

Moses Guthrie's jersey number in custom merchandise is 35, associated with the Pittsburgh Pisces. These jerseys can be bought from online retailers like BORIz, offering customization options such as name and number, with prices around $52.99 and shipping times of 3-5 weeks.

### Surprising Fact: Astrological Team Selection

It's surprising that the movie's plot hinges on astrology, with the team selecting players based on their Pisces sign, reflecting the era's disco and fantasy themes.

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### Comprehensive Analysis of Moses Guthrie, Jersey Number 35, Pittsburgh Pisces, and "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh"

"The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh," released in 1979, is an American sports/fantasy comedy film directed by Gilbert Moses, co-produced by David Dashev and Gary Stromberg, and distributed by United Artists. The film, shot on location in Pittsburgh and at Pittsburgh's Civic Arena, has garnered a cult following for its disco-inspired setting, soundtrack, and appearances by NBA stars, including lead actor Julius Erving as Moses Guthrie. This analysis explores the character Moses Guthrie, his jersey number 35, the Pittsburgh Pisces team, and the availability of related basketball jerseys, providing a detailed examination supported by citations and organized tables.

#### Plot Summary and Context

The narrative centers on the Pittsburgh Pythons, a professional basketball team struggling with a dismal record of ten wins and twenty-six losses, making them the laughing stock of the city. Several players, including vocal member Lucian Tucker, request trades due to bad publicity, while star player Moses Guthrie, played by Julius Erving, remains behind, bemoaning his slump. The turning point comes when fourteen-year-old ballboy Tyrone Millman, inspired by Guthrie's Pisces star sign, consults astrologer Mona Mondieu to form a team of players born under Pisces, renaming the team the Pittsburgh Pisces. This astrological strategy, combined with teamwork and eccentric skills, leads to a championship opportunity, culminating in a fish-shaped hot air balloon descent at the Civic Arena for the big game.

#### Moses Guthrie: Character and Role

Moses Guthrie, portrayed by Julius Erving, is the film's central figure, a highly paid but initially underperforming star player. His character arc involves embracing the Pisces team concept, rallying the players with the line, "Our magic's made of sweat and strain and pride," highlighting the importance of teamwork over astrological luck. Erving's performance, known for his real-life NBA prowess, includes trademark slam dunks, adding authenticity to the basketball scenes. Notably, his character's name was not chosen in reference to teammate Moses Malone, as Erving and Malone did not become teammates until four years later, dispelling a common misconception.

#### Jersey Number 35 and Team Identity

While the film does not explicitly state Moses Guthrie's jersey number in the plot or script, custom merchandise consistently lists him with number 35 for the Pittsburgh Pisces. This number appears in online retail listings, such as those from BORIz, suggesting a fan-driven or merchandise-based association rather than a direct movie reference. The team's transformation from Pythons to Pisces, symbolized by iridescent jerseys with fish motifs, reflects the film's quirky, disco-era aesthetic, as noted in reviews from [Pittsburgh Magazine](https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/retro-review-how-the-fish-that-saved-pittsburgh-captured-a-70s-city-of-champions/).

#### Custom Jersey Availability

Custom basketball jerseys featuring "Moses Guthrie 35 Pittsburgh Pisces Basketball Jersey The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" are available for purchase from online retailers. BORIz, for instance, offers these jerseys with stitched graphics, customizable back name and number, and all sizes available, with a shipping time of 3-5 weeks and online tracking. The price is listed at approximately $52.99, with a size chart provided for chest measurements ranging from XS (30"-32") to 6XL (66"-68"). Other retailers, such as eBay, also list similar custom items, confirming the demand for such memorabilia.

#### Production Details and Cast

The film was produced by Lorimar, with rights now owned by Warner Bros. through its 1989 acquisition of Lorimar. It features a notable cast, including Jonathan Winters, Meadowlark Lemon, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, alongside early roles for Debbie Allen and Stockard Channing. The basketball scenes were enhanced by professional players, with Erving's performance drawing particular attention for its athleticism. The movie's setting, entirely filmed in Pittsburgh and Moon Township, includes the Civic Arena, known as "The Igloo," adding local flavor to the narrative.

#### Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Interesting trivia includes the film's disco soundtrack, featuring Motown groups, and a novelization by Richard Woodley based on an early screenplay draft, which differs in details like the team's win-loss record. A scene with wheelchair users causing havoc at a game appears in the trailer but not the final cut. Additionally, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's departure from the film is attributed to an incident where he threw a director's chair across the court, as revealed by Erving in 2013, adding a behind-the-scenes drama to the production.

#### Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

The film received mixed reviews, with a 5.3 rating on IMDB and a 45% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes ([The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh | Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fish_that_saved_pittsburgh)). Audience reactions vary, with some appreciating the nostalgic basketball action and others criticizing the script's quality. Its cultural impact is evident in its cult following, driven by the unique premise and Erving's screen debut, with merchandise like custom jerseys reflecting ongoing fan interest.

#### Table: Key Cast and Roles

| **Actor** | **Character** | **Role Description** |

|----------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| Julius Erving | Moses Guthrie | Star player, pivotal to the team's transformation |

| Jonathan Winters | Dual Roles | Ill-natured mogul and sweet-natured nitwit |

| Meadowlark Lemon | Himself | Harlem Globetrotters player, adds basketball flair |

| Stockard Channing | Mona Mondieu | Astrologer, key to the Pisces team concept |

#### Table: Jersey Purchase Details

| **Aspect** | **Details** |

|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|

| Product Name | Moses Guthrie 35 Pittsburgh Pisces Basketball Jersey |

| Price | Approximately $52.99 |

| Customization | STITCH SEWN GRAPHICS, CUSTOM BACK NAME, NUMBER |

| Sizes Available | XS to 6XL, Chest Measurement 30"-68" |

| Shipping Time | 3-5 weeks with online tracking |

| Retailer Example | BORIz ([BORIz Sports Jersey](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com)) |

This comprehensive analysis ensures all facets of the query are addressed, from the movie's identity to Guthrie's role, the team's transformation, and the availability of custom jerseys, supported by detailed citations and organized tables for clarity.

### Key Citations

- [The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fish_That_Saved_Pittsburgh)

- [The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh IMDB Page](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079154/)

- [Retro Review Pittsburgh Magazine](https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/retro-review-how-the-fish-that-saved-pittsburgh-captured-a-70s-city-of-champions/)

- [The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fish_that_saved_pittsburgh)

- [BORIz Sports Jersey](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com)