I agree with everything Wolfchan said.
I have 2 rescued ball pythons, one of which is nearly blind.
They are VERY picky and difficult snakes. I wouldn't recommend a ball as a first snake.
I actually have 6 snakes. 2 balls, 2 red tail boas, 1 snow corn snake, and 1 jungle carpet python. The corn snake was my first snake and a great beginner snake.