My original theory was that Ward pretty much spent almost every game on the bench/in the bullpen. Injured but still technically dressed for each game as a show of support. As such, his uniform was laundered just like a game-worn uniform would've been.

I'm also wondering if the buyer of this jersey also possibly wore the jersey and laundered it themselves a few times.

At any rate, an interesting little image that suggests that a jersey can play in no games and yet still exhibit a ton of wear.

Rudy.