Best pen to use to get a baseball signed?

[Dewey2007]

Thanks everyone for their replies. There's an Office Max right by my place so I'll go pick up a pack of blue pilot pens.

The only thing I'm worried about is getting my World Series ball signed. I don't want any screwups so might settle for an autographed WS photo instead.

[Swoboda4]

I always stayed away from Sharpies but I have to tell you, the baseballs I have that are signed with them have stayed dark through the years, and haven't faded. But there are numerous baseballs signed with a ball point pen that are now 30% lighter in color and you run the risk of a player signing them with a "light" hand also. I'm surprised at this, and now with a finer point Sharpie, I'm wondering, maybe we should experiment on some signings and see. (I'll post photos).

[Swoboda4]

Sharpie signed baseballs are well over five years old

[TBM]

Here is a game ready or game used or practice used Official Pacific Coast League ball that I got signed by Paulo Orlando a little over 2 years ago. Blue sharpie was not my first choice but that is what he used. You can see close up how much it is bleeding in just that amount of time. Ball has been kept in an Ultra Pro ball cube since it was signed so it has not been exposed to the environment.

[Swoboda4]

I just think the ball point pens are fading worse than sharpies are bleeding. Now, if we used the fountain pens that have the Babe Ruth signatures still so readable, vibrant after 80 years, then we should maybe try them?

[TigersCubs84]

Bic or pilot blue ballpoint. Also think about future value if you ever sell. Not too many folks buying sharpie signed balls, I'll guarantee it.