Best pen to use with a dark bat?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

If the bat is black, I believe that a regular thickness (Fine point) silver Sharpie is the best.

It's too bad you will not be there in person to physically hand your marker to the player. Just remember that if anything bad happens with the autograph, you should be able remove the silver ink with ease. I would just talk to the promoter first about that and make sure a do-over can happen if you experience any smearing, use of wrong marker, etc.

Some people really like paint pens for this purpose. I feel that the chances of the paint smearing, blotching, etc. are greater than with the good old silver Sharpie. My other major concern is because they are paint-based, the paint will be resting upon the varnished surface of the bat. Over time, and with any sort of accidental mishandling, I would worry about the paint flaking/chipping.

You are wise to provide your own fresh Sharpie even if the promoter has some of their own. My only concern would be if they just opted to use theirs because they already have them in stock, so be extremely adamant that yours is the one to be used. The metallic Sharpies are more prone to wearing out/drying at a faster rate than the regular versions. Do the proper research on the promoter before sending in. If there have been problems in the past, do not give him your business.

If the bat is dark brown, you may wish to consider gold or bronze Sharpie, but that's all a matter of taste.