i would go with the a1 if you like it, that whole set up that you decribed that your friend had sounds good. try to get something similar to that, get something like a 24 or 28 wide angle for courtside pictures of the time outs and such...just have fun with it

Just a little heads up on something to look out for when shopping for a used Canon A series camera: Fire the shutter a few times and listen for a distinct high-pitched sound like a bird's chirp. This sound means the shutter is in immediate need of lubrication. If not serviced, the shutter will eventually self-destruct. A simple CLA will solve the problem, but make sure the cost of service is taken into account when negotiating the purchase price.

Thanks for the input. Have snapped a few pics already with the A1, and boy does it seem easy, I have it in the mode where it sets the aperture and shutter speed ( I need some study work on these before I go manual on these )

well cool, i would suggest to stay automatic for a while until your more comfortable with photography...ive been shoot manual for a year now and after xmas im going auto...but year the a1 does make it really fun to take pictures..

Update, Pictures came out pretty good for a first timer. Every once and a while I was a tad off on my focus. The friend I borrowed the camera from gave me some ISO200 said I would get clearer pics... but few of those even turned out, way too slow. The 400 and 800 were the best for the shots I was trying to get. But now I am rethinking my Camera options. At the rate I was taking photos at these ballgames. I could have a real nice digital paid off in one season.?????? what to do. I really like the SLR options and manual focus ability, but the DSLR price is pretty scary. I guess the search continues. Thanks for all your imput.

David