I agree with Toby, he seems to know what he's talking about here. Just remember every city (and state) has length limits when it come to captive snakes. Ball pythons are usually under the max length limit, but as you approach over 6' more and more places become unaccepting to those breeds.
If you like the ball, go with your instinct. Mind loves being handled and has never nipped. While he was young, he would cruze around his habatat at all times. Now that he's older, I know when he's hungry when he's out during the day. I don't mind this, he's been the easiest pet to care for ever. (made it really easy when I had to go on vacation)