Ball Python is a good choice, however babies can be very picky eaters. But if you purchase one that has a good feeding record, the chances that it will refuse are kinda slim.
Never feed live. I've had many rescues that have scars all over from being chewed on by mice or rats, it's heart breaking. If they do eat live, try to wean it to taking frozen-thawed.
The other's I would say are good starter snakes are:
~ Corn snakes: They are colorful, depending on which morph you get, but they are fast and can be nippy as babies, but they quickly grow out of it. (Not pricey, actually very cheap!)
~Hognose snakes, yes they are rear-fanged and have a mild venom, but I have never seen one that will willingly bite and chew on a person. (Can be somewhat pricey, depending on the breeder/morph.)
~Russian/Korean ratsnake: I HIGHLY recommend these guys. I have a female, and she's quite old, but she is one of the sweetest and curious snakes I have in my collection. They have an exotic look to them and are an overall awesome species. (Not pricey, not as cheap as a corn, but well worth it!)
~Spotted Python: An Aussie species that barely reach 5' in length. Very pretty, my sister has a few. They're also very cool and sweet little snakes, but they have been known to go on and off of feeding. (More pricey, depending on the breeder.)
Yeah, he's going to grow up to be a lady killer. XD.